Support continues in Northumberland
05 Dec 2021 ARCHIVED (over 3 months old) - view latest news
Support continues in Northumberland for those communities still experiencing power outages.
Approximately 3,500 properties still remain without power due to damage caused by Storm Arwen.
Northumberland County Council, the voluntary sector and other partner agencies including Northumberland Fire and Rescue, Mountain Rescue and Northumbria Police have been helping to visit those identified as most vulnerable in the areas affected, setting up Community Hubs since the storm, but more was needed.
The Army is now supporting those teams already out in our communities with around 80 soldiers helping to deliver information and support.
An extension to MACA (Military Aid to Civil Authority) support has been requested by the County Council.
Daljit Lally, Chief Executive of Northumberland County Council, said: “The focus remains on supporting our communities in our hardest hit areas and our most vulnerable residents.”
Northumberland is very much the area of focus for Northern Powergrid (NPG) and have called in further support from areas across the country.
“We continue to work closely with NPG to ensure they are doing all they can to restore power to those affected. Whilst they have been able to restore power to some areas, there are still many that are still without power due to the severity of damage caused to power lines” continued Daljit.
Fifteen Community Hubs remain open in areas close to the communities hit hardest to offer food, warmth, electricity and respite.
Councillor Glen Sanderson, Council Leader, Northumberland County Council, said: “We understand that this has been an extremely difficult and frustrating time for many.
“Right now, those people affected are our priority. Reaching them and ensuring they are safe and well and getting the support they need.
“The weather remains very much against us, so I urge those without power to keep letting us know if they need help, stay in as much as possible and access the support available to them.
“Once again I want to thank all those who are supporting the response in Northumberland: all NCC staff across the services and the teams of volunteers.”
Councillor Scott Dickinson, Leader for the opposition added: “Having visited Fire HQ this morning, and seen the teams heading out to support those communities, I can only reiterate what has already been said by the Chief Executive Officer.
“Many of our residents have now spent nine days without power and they must absolutely remain our priority.”
More information available at
nland.uk/StormArwen