Newark and Sherwood District Council urges residents to stay safe during widespread flooding after Storm Henk

A council is reminding residents to stay safe around floodwater as Storm Henk continues to affect the district.

While residents may be interested in seeing the extent of the flooding over the weekend, they are reminded that flood water can pose hidden dangers as well as the usual risks of deep or fast flowing water.

Paul Taylor, portfolio holder for public protection and community relations at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “It is a really difficult time for residents across Newark and Sherwood as we deal with the dangerous flooding and we are working around the clock supporting residents, delivering aqua sacks, providing advice and reassurance.

“In relation to approaching flood water, the advice is not to approach any fast flowing or deep standing water. If you enter swiftly flowing water, there is a significant risk of drowning, regardless of your ability to swim. Shallow standing water can also be dangerous for small children and water may be contaminated especially by untreated sewage.

“Cars and other vehicles do not protect you from floodwaters and you should avoid driving through flood water at any time. Six inches depth of fast flowing water can sweep a 4×4 vehicle off a road and one inch of water is enough to cause a vehicle to float and drift. There is also the risk of hidden hazards such as lifted manhole covers. Cars that do enter flood water could also cause further damage to properties as waves made by cars can make flooding even worse.

"Any flooding information can be found on our website at www.newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk/breaking-news or you can call us on 01636 650 000. Our website has a list of key contact details for a range of organisations to support you during this challenging period. Please stay safe everyone and please let us know if you need our help."

Newark and Sherwood District Council is urging residents not to travel unless absolutely necessary and has set up a place of safety for anyone whose home is flooded or at risk of 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 as they are in place for residents’ safety.

It can be hard to tell the depth of the water and there may be hidden dangers beneath it.

Roads currently blocked include 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.

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.