Flooding clean-up continues

The flooding clean-up operation continues across Derbyshire to mend damage caused by a month's worth of rain falling in the space of two days.

Councillor Simon Spencer, Derbyshire County Council's Cabinet Member for Highways, Infrastructure and Transport, said: "Thankfully the flood water has now gone in most areas. But it’s left behind a trail of destruction including potholes, cracked and damaged roads, landslips, silted bridges, blocked drains and gulleys and broken footbridges.

"We’ve got as many of our road workers and contractors out as possible helping to clear up the damage but are asking people to bear with us though as other routine roadworks will have to wait until the damage is fixed." 

The council is also reminding affected homeowners and businesses not to miss out on the financial support they may be entitled to.

Council Leader Councillor Barry Lewis said: "I'd also like to remind those affected by the flooding that there is financial support available from the council and other organisations.

"We’re continuing to provide relevant up-to-date information on our dedicated flooding webpage such as advice about health and safety issues following a flood, financial support and, looking to the future, how people can sign up for flood alerts and protect their homes and businesses." 

The county council made £100,000 available to set up the Derbyshire Floods Hardship Fund for Residents and the Derbyshire Floods Business Hardship Fund and homeowners and businesses affected can still apply.

Local charity Foundation Derbyshire has also set up a Derbyshire Flood Relief Appeal and, subject to funds, is currently providing grants of £200 to directly affected households.

People who would like to support residents and businesses can also make a donation to the same appeal at www.foundationderbyshire.org.

Meanwhile, residents who cannot use their business premises or whose home is no longer habitable due to flooding may be entitled to a Council Tax reduction or business rates relief from the Government. They can find out more at www.gov.uk/flood.

The council’s dedicated flooding webpage - at www.derbyshire.gov.uk/floodinginderbyshire - is still live and has a wide range of relevant information, including:

• Financial advice – including how to benefit from the county council’s ‘Derbyshire Floods Hardship Fund for Residents’ and ‘Derbyshire Floods Business Hardship Fund’
• Health advice – including how to clean up properties safely and mental health support
• Latest information – links to other relevant agencies and useful contact details
• Road closures – if and where still in place
• Flood warnings – including how to sign up for flood alerts
• Safety advice – how to stay safe and protect your property from flooding