Council urges residents to stay safe during widespread flooding

The place of safety, at Newark Sports and Fitness Centre, Lord Hawke Way, NG24 4FH has been open since Thursday afternoon and has supported several displaced families and individuals so far. Anyone in need can head straight to the centre to be welcomed into a warm and safe space by Council staff who will provide all the essentials.

A list of road closures can be found on Nottinghamshire County Council’s Current Disruptions page and residents are strongly encouraged to abide by these; these are in place for residents’ safety as it can be hard to tell the depth of the water and there may be hidden dangers beneath it.  Some of the roads currently blocked include, at time of writing, the A617 at Kelham, Gunthorpe Bridge, Farndon Road in Newark, Low Street in Collingham, Back Street and Station Road in Thurgarton, Fiskerton Road in Rolleston, Main Street in Lowdham and Hoveringham Road in Caythorpe. Access is also cut off to Gibsmere, Girton and Hawton and District Council officers are out investigating some other areas which may also now be cut off.

Councillor Paul Peacock, Leader of Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “My thoughts are with everyone affected by this extreme flooding. Some villages are cut off entirely and I know that our teams are aware and are out supporting evacuations in these areas. 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.

“Our staff are out and about delivering Aqua-Sacs, offering advice and reassurance. They are working across the whole district and so far this morning have visited Farndon, Hawton, Collingham, Holme, Gunthorpe, Bleasby, North Clifton and Hoveringham to name just a few. They will continue to be out and about all day. They are working alongside partners across the emergency services helping those in need and I urge you to listen to them and follow their instruction where offered. 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. Stay safe, everyone.”

Anyone whose property has been affected by the flooding is encouraged to inform the Council via an online form. This will help to give a vital overview of the extent of the flooding caused by Storm Henk. The form can be found alongside a range of information and help at www.newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk/breaking-news.