Urgent flooding update from Newark and Sherwood District Council

Flooding has already begun to impact some communities and others will be affected. We therefore now expect that the rising water levels will affect, or further affect, homes in the following areas:

• Collingham
• Girton
• High Marnham
• Low Marnham
• Besthorpe
• Sutton-On-Trent
• Cromwell
• Spalford, Wigsley and Harby
• North and South Clifton

We are sending officers to this area of the district. If you need support or assistance, please call us on 01636 650000. We are currently, and will continue to be, taking calls. For further information please visit our website www.newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk/breaking-news

We have a range of information available on our website www.newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk/floodfaqs if you are affected by flooding. Key information includes:

If life is in danger during flooding, you should dial 999. Here are some other things you can do to stay safe:

• ensure family and pets are safe and away from flood water
• act on your personal flood plan [PDF]
• gather essentials and move valuable items above expected water levels
• check on vulnerable neighbours or relatives
• follow any instructions given by the emergency services - you may be asked to evacuate your property at short notice, so ensure you have an emergency kit of essential items ready
• prepare your property with any flood protection measures and turn off water, gas and electricity before water enters your property
• ensure important documents are safe, including your home insurance details
• avoid driving or walking through flood water, there may be hidden dangers (see more below about roads during floods)
• move vehicles to higher ground
• flood water is likely to be contaminated, wash your hands and follow good hygiene principles

We advise you have a home emergency kit of essential items, this can include:

• list of emergency contact numbers - this should be a paper copy, in case your mobile phone loses power
• battery-operated torch and spare batteries, or a wind-up torch
• battery-operated radio and spare batteries, or a wind-up radio
• mobile phone
• any essential medication and a first aid kit
• bottled water and ready-to-eat food that won’t go off
• copies of important documents, such as insurance policies and birth certificates - keep these in a waterproof bag
• pencil, paper, penknife and whistle.
• spare keys to your home and car
• spare glasses or contact lenses
• baby and pet supplies if needed

You may be asked to evacuate your property at short notice, so we also advise you have an emergency kit together ready. This can include:

• checking the weather forecast and pack suitable clothes
• ready-to-eat food, a warm drink in a flask and bottled water
• mobile phone and charger
• any essential medication
• spare glasses or contact lenses
• cash and credit cards
• list of emergency contact numbers - this should be a paper copy, in case your mobile phone loses power
• baby and pet supplies if needed

Finally, we are still aware that some areas are currently cut off, including Girton, Tolney Lane and Holme. We are continuing to regularly liaise with these communities and flood wardens across Newark and Sherwood.

Councillor Paul Peacock, Leader of Newark and Sherwood District Council said: “My thoughts are with everyone affected by this extreme flooding.”

“While flood levels are subsiding in some areas, we are aware that some levels are just beginning to rise elsewhere.  Some villages are cut off entirely and our teams have been, and are continuing to work with, these communities as well as all over the district. Our staff are out and about delivering Aqua-Sacs, medicine, food, water and other urgent supplies.”

“If any person across Newark and Sherwood is affected by flooding or has any concerns, Newark and Sherwood District Council is open and our officers are out and about in the district supporting residents. If you need any help, then please call us on 01636 650000 and press option 0.”

“I’d like to personally encourage everyone to stay as safe as possible, remain at home if it is safe to do so and avoid travel where possible.”

“Flood water could be contaminated so please do what you can to prevent children and pets from stepping into it. Our team are updating social media and our website with the latest information and helpful advice so I encourage you all to stay updated there.”

“We will continue with response across Newark and Sherwood over the weekend and encourage anyone to contact us via their telephone number today, Saturday 6 January.  Stay safe, everyone.”