Following heavy rainfall and flash flooding across Harlow over the past 24 hours, local Member of Parliament, Robert Halfon, has released a statement on the support available to local people:
"It is devastating to see photos and video footage of the extensive flash flooding across Harlow following heavy rain this week. Churchgate Street, Newhall and Staple Tye have all seen floods in the last 24 hours which have caused damage to homes, cars and public spaces.
"I would like to pay tribute to all of the emergency services, Environment Agency staff, Harlow Council, Thames Water engineers and local volunteers who are working tirelessly to ensure flood water was cleared and the affected areas made safe.
"Anybody who has been adversely affected by the floods is able to contact my office for support if required. You can do this by emailing [email protected] and I will do my best to direct your enquiry to the appropriate place.
"I have urgently written to the Environment Minister to raise my concerns and to request a meeting to discuss Harlow’s resilience and flood defence preparations for flash floods. I have further written to the Environment Agency and Thames Water to ensure adequate support is available to everyone in Harlow affected by these floods.
"I would also like to direct local residents to a number of helplines where they can report flooding and seek advice:
- In the event of an emergency or where there is a threat to life, dial 999;
- To report flooding caused by overflowing sewers, call Thames Water on 0800 316 9800;
- To report flooding from local rivers and waterways, call the Environment Agency on 0345 988 1188;
- Where flooding is affecting roads and highways, call Essex County Council on 03456 037 631."
