Agenda and minutes

Items
No. Item

1.

Question from: County Councillor Kathryn Silk Subject: Sandbags

 

Question From:

County Councillor Kathryn Silk

Subject:

Sandbags

Question To:

County Councillor Heulwen Hulme

Portfolio Holder for Environment

 

Question:

In the run up to and during Storm Dennis householders who contacted PCC were given conflicting advice regarding the provision of sandbags.  Can the Portfolio Holder clarify what the Council’s position is.

 

Minutes:

Response by the Portfolio Holder:

 

Re: Powys County Council: Guidance on the supply of sandbags to the public

 

During emergencies, Powys County Council will do all we practically can to assist those affected, but priority has to be given to those less able to help themselves and to those who reasonably could not have expected to be at risk.

 

Powys County Council Highways depots hold a limited number of filled sandbags for use on the Highway. These can be made available to assist the public, as above, and to protect key infrastructure, such as electricity substations, water treatment works etc, the loss of which to flooding would impact on the recovery of the wider community.

 

The underlying principle is that property owners are responsible for protecting their property from a known threat of flooding. Those in a flood zone or those who have previously suffered flooding, and who are able to do so, should make their own provision for protecting their property. Sandbags and other bespoke products are commercially available. An independent compendium of products and services can be found at http://bluepages.org.uk/.

 

At times Powys County Council may deposit sandbags to key locations for collection by residents. Any such supply will be announced locally.

 

Powys County Council will not normally assist in clearing sandbags away post flooding. Once again consideration will be given to assisting those less able to help themselves.

 

Further advice on protecting property can be found at https://nationalfloodforum.org.uk/.

 

To check flood warnings, to sign up to receive flood warnings and for further information please visit https://naturalresources.wales/flooding

 

For assistance in preparing a flood plan please contact emergency.planning@powys.gov.uk

 

Powys County Council contact centre telephone lines are open from 8:30am to 5:00pm Monday to Thursday and 8:30am to 4:30pm Friday. The numbers are: General Enquiries 01597 827460 or 0345 6027030.

 

For Highways issues, including enquiries regarding sandbags, dial 01597 827465 or 0345 6027035.

 

Outside these times (emergencies only) please contact us on 01597 825275 or 0845 0544847