6/8/07 County returns to normal

6th August 2007

Gloucestershire begins road to recovery

Gloucestershire’s flood response moved into a new phase today.

Gloucestershire County Council has now taken over control of the recovery programme.

Gold Command, based at Gloucestershire Police Headquarters in Quedgeley, which managed the emergency response for the last two weeks, handed over control to the Gloucestershire Recovery Group at 3pm today (Monday 6th).

The handover marks the official end of the emergency response period.

County Cllr Will Windsor-Clive is the cabinet member responsible for emergency services and the economy, he said: "The emergency services, military, councils, health and volunteers have done a brilliant job pulling us through the flood emergency, but it is now time to start rebuilding Gloucestershire."

The recovery group is being led by the county council, but involves all Gloucestershire's local councils working together, along with health and voluntary agencies.

Cllr Windsor-Clive continued: "Recovery is going to be a huge task and I know that for many people life feels like it will never return to normal, but local councils are committed to making sure that it does. We estimate that it will cost at least £50 million to get Gloucestershire going, starting with getting people back into their homes, rebuilding our roads and opening our leisure centres and schools. We also need to send a clear message that Gloucestershire is open for business and tourism."

Recovery includes:

q Supporting vulnerable people affected by water shortages or flooding

q Repairing the significant damage to our major roads as quickly as possible, as well as bridges, footpaths and street lights

q Encouraging tourists back to the county - making sure people in the UK and abroad know that Gloucestershire is open to visitors

q Local councils will be surveying people in flood affected areas to gather information; this will be a door-to-door survey starting this week

q Dealing with all of the extra waste generated - such as plastic bottles and flood damaged buildings and furniture

q Getting businesses back on their feet

q Making sure our public spaces, leisure centres and schools are fit for use

Gloucestershire County Council estimates that the floods have cost Gloucestershire at least £50 million - perhaps more. A huge £25 million will need to be spent on roads alone.

Further information on the recovery plan will be issued later in the week. Residents are reminded to keep listening to local radio stations, local tv and checking local press for the latest water and bowser information. Visit www.stwater.co.uk <http://www.stwater.co.uk> or www.gloucestershire.gov.uk <http://www.gloucestershire.gov.uk>

Tourists and local people are being reminded that Gloucestershire is open for business, but to check local routes and diversions. Visit www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/prow <http://www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/prow> or www.cotswolds.com <http://www.cotswolds.com>

 


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