As Kent County Council’s (KCC) highways crews work to reopen roads impacted by Storm Eunice, residents are being reminded to be alert to rogue traders.
One of the most powerful weather systems to hit the UK in decades, Eunice caused significant damage to homes, properties and caused a number of roads to be closed due to fallen trees.
Before and after trees were cleared in Park Road, Hadlow
Highways officers have been working with engineers and tree surgeons through the weekend and today to allow traffic to flow freely – particularly in rural lanes.
The last of the yellow weather warnings for wind in Kent was lifted at 1pm this afternoon as Storm Franklin moved in.
Residents are also being warned not to engage with cold callers and to be aware of door-stepping scammers offering to fix storm repairs for a price that seems too good to be true.
KCC’s advice is to never agree to work with someone who knocks on your door. Close the door and search for accredited tradespeople using the Trading Standards Checked tool: Trading Standards Checked (kent.gov.uk)
Kent Resilience Forum (KRF) Tactical Lead and Kent County Council Senior Highways Manager Toby Howe said: “It’s been a very busy few days for many people and storms Eunice and Franklin have certainly had a major impact on Kent.
“Thankfully things look calmer now and our highways crews are working flat out to clear up any remaining damage. We are still dealing with fallen trees, there is a little localised flooding in some parts of the county and, along with our partners in the Kent Resilience Forum, we are working with UK Power Networks to make sure that those still without power are back on supply as soon as possible.
Crews are working to remove fallen trees from roads as quickly as possible. Credit: Matt Pretty
“KCC’s priority is to make sure that major routes are cleared and then move on to check back roads and country lanes, so that everyone in the county can get to and from where they need to be. We look after 8,000km of roads, so I encourage all residents to be our eyes and ears and report any roads that are still blocked as a result of the storms over the weekend. You can do this by calling KCC Highways on 03000 418181 or 03000 419191 outside office hours.
“I want to thank everyone in Kent for taking the red alert and met office warnings seriously and for keeping as safe as they possibly could. However, everyone should remain vigilant for a few days yet as the weather is still unsettled and trees and buildings weakened in the storms could still pose a risk.
“As always please check the weather and traffic news before travelling, keep reporting any concerns about weather-related damage, and contact UK Power Networks on 105 if you still need emergency or extra help because of power cuts.”
KCC’s Community Wardens have been out and about warning residents of danger to their properties.
KCC Community Warden, Susan Beeney
After Storm Eunice had blown through, Susan Beeney carried out a comprehensive walk round of all roads in Littlebourne, looking for damage and dangers caused by the storm. She alerted residents of damage to their properties including damaged roofs and missing tiles. She checked on the welfare of residents in properties where a wall had fallen, blocking vehicle access to the properties. Residents were pleased to see a smiling face and were reassured that someone was looking out for them.
Here are some useful rules of thumb to keep in mind in the aftermath of a storm:
TRAVEL UPDATES – visit KCC’s Travel & Transport page here to see who to follow for the latest traffic and travel updates in Kent- LOCAL ROAD DAMAGE – report any emergency issues, including fallen trees in the road, to KCC Highways on 03000 419191 out-of-hours. Between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday call 03000 418181
- HOME REPAIRS – find a safe local trader with Trading Standards Checked here: Trading Standards Checked (kent.gov.uk)