Environment Agency helps with clean-up after floodwaters recede

LONDON, July 30, 2007 -- The floodwaters may have receded across the Thames Valley, but Environment Agency staff are still on the ground helping people get back in their homes safely.

Environment Agency staff have been out in areas affected by flooding meeting homeowners and giving advice on what to do next. Over the weekend staff visited more than 300 homes and this morning staff were out again in Duke Street and Earl Street, Oxford.

Staff have visited areas including Oxford, Abingdon, Witney, Pangbourne, and Fairford.

Agency staff are going door to door, talking to those affected about their experience and giving advice on how they can recover from the distress and damage of a flood.

The advice includes ensuring homeowners have their electricity back in supply properly, and that professional advice is sought for this work and other major repairs to the property.

Regional flood risk manager Colin Candish said: "Although the water has stabilized and begun to recede from most of the affected properties, there is still much work to be done.

"We have staff out on the ground every day visiting the affected areas to offer advice on how to recover from the distress of a flood. Anyone who has not met with one of our staff can get information from Floodline on 0845 988 1188, or on our website."

As water levels continue to fall today, staff are removing the pumps and the sandbags to allow people back into their homes, particularly in Earl Street and Duke Street, Oxford.

To view flood warnings across England and Wales, see: www.environment-agency.gov.uk/floodwarnings
More information is available at the Environment Agency website: www.environment-agency.gov.uk

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