In the event of River (or Groundwater) Flood Containment and Prevention
Our policy for sandbagging is to prevent or contain floodwaters from rivers or groundwater. The sole responsibility for protection of private property in the event of a flood lies with individual owners and not the District Council or any other Agency.
What we will do
- Provide sand and sandbags to properties (8 maxium per property) located in formal flood warning zones during a declared Flood Warning period in Appleby and Eamont Bridge.
- Deliver sand bags to individual properties at imminent risk of flooding subject to available resources and other priorities during a flooding event.
- Make sandbags available for collection by residents from TFE Accord depot at Old London Road, Penrith only on the approval of Eden District Council. Telephone 01768 817817.
- Provide sandbag dumps at places vulnerable to flooding that in the opinion of the Director of Legal Services can assist in reducing the demand on resources during a flooding incident. Currently these dumps are maintained at Eamont Bridge and High Bridge, Stockdalewath.
- Assist properties outside of the district when requested to do so by a neighbouring Authority or resulting from a request following the implementation of the County Emergency Plan, subject to available resources.
What we will not do
- Provide sandbags to non-residential properties not in formal flood zones.
- Clear blocked culverts bridges and watercourses during a flood event, or afterwards on land that is not in the Council's ownership.
- Accept responsibility for placement of sandbags, except at locations where infirmity or disability is an issue.
- Accept responsibility for the disposal of sandbags other than in the formal flood warning zones
- Provide sandbags to protect gardens, outbuildings or other structures
As a contingency against potential flooding risks:
Householders and Commercial property owners in flood risk areas are encouraged to make their own provision for flood defence and not rely upon the Council to defend their property.
Sandbags will not totally prevent floodwater encroaching into property and householders should remove articles to a safe location above the anticipated flood level. People building flood defences with sandbags should also be aware of the building methods to employ in order to make an effective seal and the health & safety implication of manual handling sandbags as they are exceptionally heavy.
The Environment Agency website has further information on preparing for a flood.
For Further Information
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Contact: Engineering Manager, Mansion House, Penrith CA11 7YG
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Email: engineer@eden.gov.uk
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Telephone: 01768 817817
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Fax: 01768 890732
