Calls for action as torrential rain causes flooding havoc across Grimsby area

RESIDENTS hit by yet more flooding were today joined by their ward councillors in calling for action.

Parts of Grimsby were heavily flooded yesterday and many roads cut off as torrential downpours caused havoc for households and local businesses for the second time in days and only three weeks after residents and traders on the West Marsh found themselves bailing out water from their homes and shops after another bout of severe weather.

Heavy rain and thunder storms battered areas of North East Lincolnshire yesterday, including Grimsby's Doughty Road where council vehicles were prevented from getting out of the severely flooded depot.

Yarborough ward councillor James Cairns said: "We've had calls from residents wondering why the council were not doing anything, something needs to be done urgently.

"It appears that the council have not learned enough from recent episodes of flooding – it needs sorting."

Mr Cairns added that he would be meeting fellow Ukip councillors today to discuss recommendations they will make to ensure residents do not suffer the same fate.

Many residents seem to be unsure as to where they can obtain sand bags from and Councillor Ray Sutton says that information needs to be clearer from the council's point of view.

The Freshney ward councillor said: "I've been dealing with concerns since last month and I've been trying to support residents in getting to the bottom of why we are still having problems with flooding.

"The council needs to be clearer on information regarding sand bags because such items are actually the responsibility of homeowners but many do not know that.

"We seem to produce flash flooding in this area so I've been in touch with people at the top of the council, including the chief executive, to ensure we are better equipped to deal with sudden weather changes.

"When residents ring you up saying water is about to come into their house, all you want to do is be able to stop it for them."

One unfortunate local was 62-year-old Alfie Ross, of Yarborough Road, who paid £120 for a new pump to try to clear water from his own and neighbouring houses.

He, like many others, has had to deal with two bouts of flooding in three weeks, and some were also affected during Friday's downpours.

He said: "Well, we've had it twice in one day; the drains do not seem to be taking any water, some may be blocked and we've complained before.

"We've seen the water come up from the pavement and into our gardens, it's spilt into the house causing flooding yet again.

"It comes down the drive and in through the air vents. I've got wooden flooring so all the electrical cables underneath have tripped out.

"Something has to be done to stop this happening time and again, even if we had higher kerbs that would stop some of it for a start."

Another Freshney ward councillor, Cliff Barber, spent most of his weekend helping residents on the Willows estate, which had lorries attend on Sunday to clear out the gullies.

He said: "The main reaction from the residents is that they want the drains to be cleared more regularly, like they used to be.

"We don't get this weather every day, it's freak weather but it's not nice for the residents who have been badly affected.

"I have full sympathy for the residents and hope something can be done going forward."

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