How much water is out there?

4 million litres of water are being distributed currently as Severn Trent step up the emergency response. 330 bowsers are currently in Cheltenham with these being refilled up to five times per day by 80 water tankers.

The overriding advice is not to panic.

Residents supplied by Bristol water are not currently affected and are advised not to stock up because of the knock on effects.

Water is getting to Cheltenham at a fast pace, with vulnerable or elderly adults being contacted by the emergency team at Cheltenham Borough Council to ensure that their needs are being met.

For more information visit our page on emergency water supplies in the area.

‘I am proud of the community spirit in Cheltenham’

This is the message from councillor Rob Garnham, deputy leader of the council.

Following the flooding and water shortages, Cheltenham Borough Council has had an overwhelming response from members of the public with offers of help.

The council would like to thank everybody who has come forward and this is their advice on the best way you can help.

Chris Huckle, deputy chief executive, who is part of the council’s emergency team says:

The best thing at this time is for people to support their neighbours, ensuring they have enough drinking water and other essential supplies. There are now 330 bowsers in various locations around Cheltenham so check on your neighbours and see if they need you to get some water for them.

If any further, more specific help is needed by the council, they will be contacting those who have phoned in and will also put out an urgent plea for help through the local media and on the flood blog, a link to which is on the council’s website www.cheltenham.gov.uk

The main message at the moment is for people not to panic and to support each other.

Wise after the event?

Severn Trent Water customers can apply online for a 190 litre Rainsaver Water Butt complete with fixing kit and stand for a heavily discounted price. This may be a little late for the current situation, and we are sure that Severn Trent have got other priorities at the moment, but you never know when it might come in useful.

(Top campers tip – put your washing-up out in the garden overnight and let the rain do the job.)

Farmers’ market this Friday

We have just heard that the farmers’ market will be open as normal this Friday in the Promenade by the war memorial for fresh produce from local farmers and producers.

Crisis team set up to help businesses hit by the flood

South West Regional Development Agency has set up a crisis team, working closely with partners in Gloucestershire including Business Link, to prepare for providing the quickest support to those businesses whose most urgent need – once the flood waters subside – is to keep trading and then plan for recovery. Contact James Harper on 01392 229547.

Cheltenham’s shops are open for business

99% of all shops in Cheltenham are open for business including some of the eateries. There is no need to stockpile food, there is plenty on the shelves. Business partnership manager, Martin Quantock, said, “The shops are making a great effort to stay open, come along and support them with a little retail therapy”.

Tips for coping with water shortages

There’s a wealth of useful advice now available. We’ve compiled a short list below.

• Tips from Gloucestershire Constabulary about coping with water shortages and a health update
• BBC advice about coping with no running water

Bogus callers in the Cheltenham area

We are sorry to hear that there are reports of bogus callers taking advantage of the situation and posing as Severn Trent employees. Be careful and challenge anyone that calls to show their identity card. If in doubt, do not let them in – take their details and telephone Severn Trent on 0800 783 4444. Read further advice on dealing with bogus callers.

Good advice

If you have experienced floods like those below, please take a look at our advice posts. If there is anything else we can add, please use the comments links above.

Cheltenham Art Gallery and Museum to close due to floods

Cheltenham Borough Council has this morning announced the closure of the art gallery and museum. The decision has been made in the interests of health and safety due to difficulties in continuing to provide adequate sanitation facilities.

Staff at the art gallery and museum are being briefed first thing this morning and will be allocated other duties.

Jane Lillystone, museum and arts manager said:  “It is with great regret that we have had to close the art gallery and museum but we felt we had no alternative in the light of the current situation. We will be monitoring the situation closely and hope to reopen as soon as we can.”

We will be keeping the public informed through our web site www.cheltenhammuseum.org.uk

Health service helpline

An emergency 24 hour helpline has been setup for those with questions or concerns about health services currently available across the county in view of the current difficulties with the weather conditions and electricity and water supplies. Read the press release (PDF).
The number is 01452 891517.

Water supply location maps

We’ve updated our emergency water supplies page with information on bottled water locations and some useful maps to indicate where the supplies are located.

Good coverage from BBC Radio Gloucestershire

You can always rely on the beeb at times like this. Lots of useful reports on the radio and online from BBC Radio Gloucestershire keeping everyone informed.

A message from the Queen

The Queens message to those affected by the recent flooding in the UK.