Military helping council with welfare checks following Storm Arwen
04 Dec 2021 ARCHIVED (over 3 months old) - view latest news
Military aid has arrived in Northumberland today to help support teams working on the ground to carry out welfare checks to all properties in the county still without power.
Over 3,000 Northumberland residents are now in their eighth day without electricity after Storm Arwen caused devastation to power lines across the county last Friday night.
Volunteers and staff from across all agencies have been reaching out to vulnerable and elderly residents over the last 7-days.
Today over 80 army personnel have been supporting council officers and volunteers so that every home without power can have a welfare call this weekend to deliver information and identify individuals who require additional support.
General Support: Anyone struggling to access food or other essential supplies is being urged to call Northumberland Communities Together on 01670 620015
Concern over a resident: Anyone with a concern about a vulnerable resident or safeguarding issue should call Onecall 01670 536400.
Accommodation: Those who feel they are unable to spend another night in their home can book into local accommodation and Power Grid will cover the bill if a receipt is kept. Anyone who is struggling to fund this should ring Northumberland Communities Together on 01670 620015
Hot Showers: Active Northumberland has opened up its sports centres, during opening hours, to anyone wishing for a hot shower. For further information https://bit.ly/3lqqxXU
Community Hubs , 13 Community Hubs have been set up to further support those in need with access to electricity, food and water. (see below)
Daljit Lally, Chief Executive of Northumberland County Council said:
“We absolutely understand people’s frustrations. They are cold, tired and worried. We know Power Grid are working flat out and bringing all available resource to the county to re-connect people as soon as they possibly can but it is a vast county and the devastation to powerlines has been catastrophic.
" In addition to the efforts of Power Grid, there is a multi-agency response taking place on the ground. Our residents are scattered over a massive geographical area from the west to remote valleys in the north and we want to check in on each one. While we personally can’t provide the power, the council and a great number of agencies and volunteers are working together to ensure the safety of our residents and to help support them through this difficult time. “
Community Hubs are located at the following venues
Please check local availability/opening hours and note these are only temporary and will close as soon as power is re-connected in these areas. The list is accurate as of 2pm 4 th December 2021.
Berwick – Swan Leisure Centre - hot showers/drinks
Belford – The Bluebell Hotel – food, drink, survival packs
Falstone – Black Cock Inn – hot food / warmth
Haydon Bridge – Community Centre – hot food, refreshments, warmth, electric charging
Hexham – Leisure Centre – hot water / showers (Hot drinks HIVE Cafe)
Longhoughton – Community Centre – hot food / showers / warmth / charging
Longwitton – John Good Fellows Farm hot food vanfrom1pm
Ponteland – Merton Hall – hot food, refreshments, warmth, electric charging
Ponteland Leisure Centre- hot showers, drinks and electric charging
Ponteland – Diamond Inn – hot water, hot drinks, warmth
Ponteland – Ponteland Tandoori - evening meals
Ridsdale - The Gunn Inn – hot drinks/ hot water
Rothbury – Jubilee Hall – hot food / warmth / phone charging
Whittingham Village Hall- hot food,drink warmth
Wooler - Cheviot Centre - hot food / warmth / phone charging