Thursday 12 November 2009

Swansea's response to flood risk

SWANSEA Council has pulled out the stops to reduce the risks of flooding in parts of the city after heavy rainfall.

Recent periods of heavy rainfall has created problems throughout Swansea during the last week and has led to over 100 phone calls to the emergency highways team.

More than 400 sandbags were also delivered to homes to help protect against rising waters.


The Council also confirmed it tripled the number of staff on duty during the rainfall in a bid to cope with the demands of residents and it also used a JCB to clear heavy items such as boulders and trees which had been washed into streams leading to further flooding.


Carl Humphrey, Head of Highways in Swansea Council, said: "We have been extremely busy during the last few days clearing gullies and delivering sand bags to residents.

"Work is continuing along streams and other watercourss to ensure they are free of debris. This will hopefully prevent further flooding."

The Council's fly-tipping team is also helping to unblock a culvert in Clydach which has been subjected to years of fly-tipping and led to the culvert becoming blocked.

John Hague, Cabinet Member for the Environment in Swansea Council, said: "Our response to emergency calls in the city has been excellent. We have pulled out all the stops to try and help residents.

"Sadly, some of the causes of the flooding in parts of Swansea have been down to individuals dumping waste carelessly. Heavy rainfall during a short period of time can be a problem. This will only be made worse if people are helping to block the flow of water by fly-tipping."

Residents can call the Council's emergency hotline on 0800 132081 to report flooding.

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