Council supports flooded households

Crews from Blaby District Council’s refuse and recycling team have been helping the major clear-up in the wake of devastation caused by Storm Henk.

More than 150 properties across the District suffered flooding with gardens ruined and rooms damaged.

Some households have had to leave their homes due to the deluge with belongings destroyed by the surge waters.

Together with partners across the County, including fellow local authorities, emergency services and various agencies, Blaby District Council has been offering support and signposting since the storm hit last week.

Both officers and Councillors have been carrying out welfare checks on affected families. Where possible practical support has been provided and information shared on additional help available. The District's street sweeper has also been out clearing mud and debris from pavements.

A refuse and recycling team were visiting affected properties in Braunstone Town today, 9 January, to remove household items damaged by flooding.

Derek English and his wife Julie who live in a bungalow in the area were one of the worst affected.

Surge water from the River Soar had spread across the field at the back of their residential area and into street.

The flood water started to seep into the bungalow on Tuesday evening and the couple used towels to stem the influx. But by 2am, disturbed by the increasingly loud sound of running water, Derek got out of bed into a pool of water. By around 3.30am it was ankle deep.

Carpets, bedding, storage units, kitchen appliances, clothes and lounge furniture have all been destroyed. Insurers say the property is an 80% write off.

Julie said: "We’ve only been here three years and had just started getting the place to how we wanted it, now we’re back in a worse position than when we first moved in. We are absolutely gutted because we have put so much effort into the place. It’s heartbreaking because it’s the little personal things which you can’t replace, like the recipes collected by my mum and the book my dad wrote about his life."

Derek said they had been boosted by the support offered by Blaby District Council and the other agencies involved in efforts to alleviate the effects of the flooding.

He added: "The response from the District Council has been great, checking on us, coming round every day to let us know what is going on. It’s been useful because I’ve been able to pass this on to neighbours. And it’s great how they are helping with the clear-up."

Councillor Nigel Grundy, Blaby District Council Portfolio Holder for Neighbourhood Services and Assets, was out with the clear-up team.

He said: "Storm Henk was just overwhelming so we really want to be supporting our residents at this challenging time. We hope our work and that of our partner agencies is going some way to help ease the burden of the aftermath."

If any residents still need support following Storm Henk then please contact our Customer Services on 0116 275 0555 or email: customer.services@blaby.gov.uk 

Also see our web page on flooding: Flooding – Blaby District Council

Councillor Nigel Grundy
Portfolio Holder for Neighbourhood Services and Assets