IT HAS now been over a week since a major incident was declared in Yate as Storm Bert caused chaos with roads closed, homes and businesses flooded and an emergency centre set up.

A red flood alert was issued for the area on Sunday, November 24 with Yate Leisure Centre opening in the evening as an emergency rest centre after homes flooded in Slimbridge Close and Littledean.

South Gloucestershire Council deemed it a major incident after 100 properties in the Shire Way area flooded while a further 100 were cut off by rising wate

An SGC spokesperson has now given their latest update on the situation in the area as the recovery operation begins.  

They said: "A major incident was declared on Sunday evening in part of Yate Dodington which was particularly badly affected by flooding.

"There was also flooding in other parts of South Gloucestershire including Swineford, Hanham and Charfield.

"An emergency response was led by Avon Fire and Rescue Service (AFRS) as the lead agency for water rescue, working with Avon and Somerset Police and partner agencies and we would like to thank all the emergency services for their efforts.

"AFRS supported by Search and Rescue Voluntary agencies called at more than 200 properties on the night.

"Our Emergency Planning and Health Protection Unit coordinated the council’s major incident response.

"A rest centre was set up, staffed by council volunteers at Yate Leisure Centre, along with emergency transport although it was not needed and was stood down at 3am.

"We have co-ordinated a recovery process, taking over from the Response Phase led by AFRS. Our StreetCare staff have worked around the clock to clear roads, trees and debris and make sure warning signs were in place.

"All roads in the district were reopened by Wednesday, November 27.

"Our staff door-knocked at more than 200 homes on Monday and again on Tuesday in the worst affected areas to offer support and identify what assistance was needed.

"They delivered letters with key information and guidance and were due to be returning to visit properties again on Monday, December 2 with information from Trading Standards on how to protect yourself from rogue traders who sometimes target those needing home repair services following extreme weather.

"Our flooding webpage provides a wide range of information and guidance, together with a recent article published in our residents’ e-newsletter and updates across our social media channels.

"Our One Stop Shops and contact centre have supported residents with sandbag requests, flooding reports, queries about disposal of flood damaged items and flood related enquiries. Skips have also been made available in the worst affected areas and Portaloos have been provided in Swineford.

"Our Adult Social Care team have supported those living in the impacted area who had social care needs.

"As with all serious flooding incidents, we have a duty to investigate and produce a report that will summarise what happened, establish the cause or causes of the flooding and determine the actions needed for remediation.

"Residents whose properties were flooded in the worst affected areas will be contacted as part of this investigation and asked to provide their feedback on the incident.

"Investigations of this kind can be complex and it will take time to complete but we anticipate being able to publish our findings in three to six months.

"An internal council debrief will also be undertaken and will consider action that was taken in both the response and recovery phases."