Partner Article

North Tyneside flood patrols on stand-by

North Tyneside’s Elected Mayor, Mrs Linda Arkley has reassured the public that the council is prepared for any heavy rainfalls over the weekend after recent bad weather caused problems for homes and businesses across the borough.

To protect residents and communities, flood patrols will be in place in the four parts of the borough throughout any severe weather. These will be teams of staff in vehicles with flood defence equipment, monitoring at risk locations, including the 300 homes affected during last week’s floods.

They will deploy flood defence equipment on a needs basis. Where there are potentially vulnerable residents air brick covers and sandbags will be provided by the council in advance of the expected wet weather on Friday.

Information about how to be prepared is on the council’s website at www.northtyneside.gov.uk while updates will also be issued via Twitter @NTCouncilTeam.

The council’s customer services team will be available until late on Friday and on Saturday on 0345 2000 103 for problems to be reported. The usual emergency number will be available 24-hours a day.

Elected Mayor Mrs Linda Arkley: “The forecast is for 40-60mm of rainfall over the next three days, which is not an excessive or unusual level. However, due to the ground being saturated it may result in flooding. That is why we have put additional preparations in place to protect the borough’s residents over the weekend.

“We would ask residents not to panic, and wherever possible to make sure they are prepared as far as possible - there is advice on our website.

Mrs Arkley added: “The floods have been challenging for many of our residents, businesses and organisations.“Our teams have proved they can respond very effectively and I have every confidence that will be demonstrated again if needed this weekend.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by North Tyneside Business Forum .