Posted: Thursday 21 January 2021, 13:08
Overnight Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service has been working alongside partner agencies Derbyshire Dales District Council, Derbyshire County Council, Derby City Council, and Derbyshire Constabulary to help protect our communities from the dangers of flooding.
Officers were in the Wye Bank area of Bakewell over night as part of the multi-agency response to flooding and a potential evacuation. A joint decision was taken that evacuation of residents wasn’t necessary. Sandbags were distributed and residents were advised to stay home and stay safe.
Concerns regarding local flooding also required Officers to support partners with property assessments in Whatstandwell, Stoney Middleton, and Ford Lane, Breadsall but all partner agencies were happy that no further action was needed.
A reminder that it is easy to get caught out in flood water
At 2:24 hours this morning crews from Kingsway attended an incident at Haslams Lane in Darley Abbey, where we were called to assist two police colleagues who had got into difficulty in rising flood waters. Firefighters made their way into the water and assisted the two police constables to safety. Thankfully both constables were safe and well. This incident shows how dangerous flood water can be and even experienced drivers with good knowledge of an area can be caught off guard.
Please respect road closures and don’t drive through flood water – as little as 30cm of water can float a car.
Speaking earlier this morning Station Manager Darren Perrott, who had been at the scene in Wye Bank Bakewell, said: “It’s been a long night for residents in many parts of the county as we have all been watching flood water levels rise. Thankfully in Wye Bank an evacuation was avoided with a great partner agency effort to bring in and distribute sandbags to shore up properties.
“We know over the coming hours as rain and snow that has fallen further up in the north of the county starts to make its way down rivers, we still have to work with our partner agencies to monitor the potential impact of flooding on our communities and work together to continue to signpost people to safety advice and information.
“I’d once again call for people not to drive into flood water and to observe road closed signs, they are there to warn of danger and keep everyone safe. Also please, if you are going out for a walk or run, keep away from the water’s edge and keep your dog on a lead. The rivers are extremely high and the water is flowing faster than any strong swimmer could negotiate – please stay safe, keep away.”
A list of all the latest road closures can be found on the Derbyshire County Council website.
All the latest flood warnings can be found on the Environment Agencies website.