Council supports communities affected by wet weather

River Don

Following substantial rainfall over recent weeks, Sheffield is continuing to work closely with those in the worst affected areas.

As well as offering financial support to affected residents and businesses, clean-up efforts in the rivers and brooks have been ongoing, with the council working alongside the Environment Agency and other key partners.

Divers have also been busy clearing debris that has collected around bridges and culverts, ensuring that rivers continue to flow and cranes have been brought in to remove large trees that have been washed into waterways.

Whilst the 64mm of heavy rain brought travel disruption to many areas of the city, it was thanks to the council’s hard-working contractors, partners, community volunteers and investment in new flood defences that very few properties were flooded during this spate of bad weather.

The significant investment in flood defences by the council protected the city and its residents and although the amount of rainfall was substantial, the defences coped well, over-topping only slightly.

The council will suspend council tax for the affected properties for a period of three months to allow residents to get back on their feet. In addition the council will provide £500 to those whose houses have been affected by flooding and the charity organisation, South Yorkshire Community Fund (SYCF) will be providing £100 compensation to affected residents.

Sheffield City Council has made a donation to SYCF and if people would like to support affected residents, all further donations should be sent to them. They will ensured that these much needed funds are passed on to those who have been affected by severe flooding in Doncaster and Rotherham.

Executive Director of Finance and Resources at Sheffield City Council, Eugene Walker said:

“Sheffield saw an unprecedented amount of rain, which started on Thursday 7 November and didn’t stop completely until the weekend.

“Not only did the river levels rise considerably during this time but the amount of surface water and flash flooding meant that there was travel disruption for people coming in and out of the city.

“Our focus now is to support those who have been affected by the flooding, mainly in the areas of Ecclesfield and Deepcar. A refuge centre was opened by the council on Thursday in Hillsborough but was later closed, when it became apparent that affected residents had made their own arrangements.

“Whilst we appreciate funding will only go some way to restoring property and possessions damaged by flood water, we hope it will offer some comfort in the midst of difficult times.

“We would like to say a huge thank you to the members of communities who have shown amazing resilience throughout this period and offer reassurance that we will continue to work with our dedicated partners, signposting people to relevant services and available funding where we can.”

For local small and medium sized businesses affected, the council will be adopting a Government scheme which will include financial support and business rates relief for affected properties.

For more information on the South Yorkshire Community Fund (SYCF) and for details on how to donate, visit: https://www.sycf.org.uk/