Bulky waste fee waived for flood affected homes

Flood hit residents in Erewash can get ruined furniture and other goods collected free by the borough’s waste crews – after the council rushed to aid the Storm Babet clean-up by waiving its usual charges.

The suspension of fees for disposing of bulky items came as the Met Office warned that even more rain is looming – with a yellow weather alert for parts of Derbyshire.

Residents needing to get rid of water-damaged goods are urged to first liaise with their insurance companies as some may require an inspection of items before they are removed.

Dedicated crews from Erewash council were continuing to go out to areas impacted by Friday’s floods to collect items from homes.

Residents can call the council’s contact centre on 0115 907 2244 to request a collection. An official said: “We do urge people to be patient and bear with us as we try to get to everyone as quickly as we can.”

Councillor James Dawson, Leader of Erewash Borough Council, said: “The council continues to do all it can to help residents across Erewash whose lives have been adversely affected by Storm Babet. Our teams have been working around the clock to help those in the worse affected areas and I would urge residents to contact their insurance company and then get in touch with Erewash Borough Council if they have items to dispose of. We have staff on standby 24/7 to respond to emergencies such as these.”

The Met Office warned more rain of up to 20mm was possible in some areas from Tuesday 24 October. A spokesman said: “There remains some uncertainty in the extent of the heavier rain, but given the already saturated conditions, where this occurs further impacts from flooding are possible.”

Erewash residents who need to take precautions can collect empty sandbags from the town hall receptions in Ilkeston and Long Eaton during opening hours. In an emergency the council can deliver full sandbags to houses in imminent danger, where access allows. Go to erewash.gov.uk/floods for information and advice.

Follow the council on Facebook for updates at facebook.com/erewashbc