PARTS of Solihull borough are braced for flooding while warnings have been issued across the region.
Solihull Council has reiterated support is available for residents affected on the back of devastating and ‘unprecedented’ flooding last year that left scores temporarily homeless.
Today (June 13) road closures and train stoppages have been announced in and around Solihull.
The government’s Environment Agency tweeted: “Plenty of road closures from flooding across the area.
“Please heed road closure signs, it’s easy to get stranded.
“This (photo) is from Earlswood, Solihull, at 7am this morning! We’ve notified partners to close the road.”
The government’s website shows a red flood warning for the River Blythe at Earlswood, which is described as requiring ‘immediate action’.
There are also flood alerts for areas surrounding the River Cole in the north of Solihull borough and Coleshill.
Meanwhile, Network Rail Chiltern Main Line tweeted a startling image, saying: “Here’s why trains between Whitlock End (near Solihull) and Stratford-Upon-Avon are disrupted this morning.
“The heavy rain has turned the tracks into waterways. Sorry for any inconvenience.
“We will do all we can to fully reopen the line as quickly as possible.”
Knowle, Dorridge and Bentley Heath Police has shared a shocking image of a road almost totally submerged.
It said: “Please take extra care while driving around the rural area in these conditions please your journey may take a few minutes longer but plan ahead.”
Waterside Care – a partnership agency between the Environment Agency, the Canal and River Boat Trust and others – tweeted an image of the River Cole in Chelmsley Wood saying: “Very high water as the result of recent persistent rain!”
In May last year a freak downfall, which saw over a month’s worth of rain fall in just under an hour, saw more than 330 homes hit in the borough.
In January, plans to update flood defence systems were welcomed by residents and councillors.
Areas in Blythe, Shirley West, Hockley Heath and Olton were ravaged by floods while major roads were rendered impassable and water networks burst their banks – with many residents upset with the council’s response, as we reported.
Preparing for the worst, Solihull Council chiefs this week said: “In light of the significant rain forecast for the next few days, Solihull Council would like to make residents aware of information and advice about flooding.
“During flooding you should focus on the safety of yourself and others and make sure to stay out of floodwater.”
For information about what to do in the event of a flood please visit www.solihull.gov.uk/flood or www.gov.uk/government/collections/flooding-health-guidance-and-advice
In the unlikely event you are affected by flooding in the coming days please send the details along with any photos or videos to [email protected]
