SANDBAGS have been delivered to homes and businesses across Harlow after heavy rain caused serious flooding. 

Several areas in the town experienced significant flooding.

Across Essex, six people were rescued from flooded homes last Tuesday, including a flooded house in Spencers Croft, Harlow where a family of three was led “to safety” by the Essex Fire Service.

Harlow councillor Nicky Purse, cabinet portfolio holder for environment, said: “We are aware that several areas of the town have experienced significant flooding due to the heavy rainfall.

“Our teams worked throughout the night to support residents who have been impacted and continue to do so today.

"An emergency call was also made to Thames Water due to overflowing drains in many of the most affected areas.”

Epping Forest Guardian: Thanks - Councillor Nicky Purse thanked the Essex Fire Service for clearing water from most of the affected areasThanks - Councillor Nicky Purse thanked the Essex Fire Service for clearing water from most of the affected areas (Image: Submitted)

Ms Purse said sandbags had continued to be delivered last week to help those who may be impacted.

She added: “The situation is being kept under review. 

“We are in contact with Essex Highways and Thames Water as both are responsible for the town’s drainage and we need to ensure that the maintenance of these facilities is prioritised to protect our streets and homes from flooding during heavy rainfall.”

Epping Forest Guardian: Sandbags - Sandbags were delivered to residents in Harlow affected by the floodingSandbags - Sandbags were delivered to residents in Harlow affected by the flooding (Image: Steven Pavlov/Wikimedia)

Ms Purse also praised Essex Fire Service for helping clear water from the most affected areas.

Further flooding advice for residents is as follows:

  • In the event of an emergency or where there is a threat to life call 999
  • To report flooding caused by overflowing sewers, call Thames Water on 0800 316 9800
  • To report flooding from local rivers and waterways, call the Environment Agency on 0345 988 1188
  • Where flooding is affecting roads and highways, call Essex County Council on 03456 037 631
  • If you are a Harlow Council tenant who is affected, call Harlow Council on 01279 446655 or 01279 446666 if your call is out of hours
  • Reports relating to overflowing sewers can also be viewed and reported to Thames Water 
  • The latest weather warnings can be found on the Met Office website