According to official emails, “We are now in an official multi-agency gold command situation and the borough emergency control centre (BECC) has been activated.”
The authorities have again considered evacuating children from Roke Primary because of the flooding, while water treatment plants at Kenley and at Purley Oaks are at serious risk to flooding.
Around 25,000 residents served by these facilities in Kenley may have to depend on bottled water and water tankers for several days to come if those works become flooded.
The council’s email outlined the situation as at around 5pm today:
- The first major incident meeting has been scheduled for 5pm this evening, with key people from partner agencies (Environment Agency, police, fire, health, water companies etc.) invited.
- We have been liaising with the Sutton and East Surrey Water company regarding the water treatment works in Kenley. This is at risk of flooding, in which case the water company would need to provide bowsers and bottled water for residents affected. The water company is still confirming the numbers that could be affected but it could be approximately 25,000 households – with around 1/3 without water, 1/3 with water and 1/3 with low pressure water. If the treatment works shut, this would put additional pressure on the system and could see surcharge along the route.
- The pond at Purley Oaks Depot is at capacity. We have been liaising with Thames Water to see how we can release the pressure on the pond. However, it is likely to breach. There are two cottages next door to the depot that are at risk. Officers from external communications and the resilience teams spoke to residents at these households this morning.
- Harris Kenley Academy Primary [referred to in previous council emails by its previous name, Roke] is experiencing flooding and may need to close. The highways team have been working with the school to see where water can be diverted to. Options include the cricket ground next door – the cricket club have been very helpful.
- Since last week, Steve Iles and his team have visited various properties most at risk – speaking to those affected and assessing the situation. Last night, some volunteer officers visited numbers 1-5 Bourne View and 39-44 Bourne Park Close to advise residents on evacuating their homes. In addition, leaflets were put through the doors for those who were not in and also houses along the rest of Bourne Park Close.
- We have provided sandbags for the households and businesses most affected.
- Council activates emergency Gold Command over flooding
- Storm warning at Altitude 25 as ‘lethal’ metal falls from tower
Coming to Croydon
- Purley Swimathon: Feb 8 and 13
- Mark Steel at Ashcroft Theatre, Feb 12
- Croydon Arts Network meeting, Feb 15
- Chinese New Year children’s event, Upper Norwood Library, Feb 18
- Welsh myths children’s event, Upper Norwood Library, Feb 20
- Norwood Society talk, Upper Norwood Library, Feb 20
- Mr Pooter comes to Croydon, Feb 20-22
- Warm and Well event, Upper Norwood Library, Feb 22
- Stop the Incinerator fund-raiser, Feb 24
- Fairtrade event, Upper Norwood Library, Mar 1
- Coulsdon and Purley Debating Society, Mar 3
- Patchwork and quilting workshop, Upper Norwood Library, Mar 3
- Upper Norwood Library Book Club, Mar 15
- Norwood Society talk, Upper Norwood Library, Mar 20
- Croydon Half-marathon, Mar 30
- If you have a news story about life in or around Croydon, a residents’ or business association or local event, please email us with full details at inside.croydon@btinternet.com