Hi-tech sandbags to be used to tackle flooding in Keelby

KEELBY Parish Council believes the answer to the village's recent flooding issues is to prepare with "revolutionary" sandbags.

On two occasions in August, the village was flooded due to heavy rainfall.

As reported, residents were canoeing and children splashing about in the streets of the village, where manhole covers raised by the volume of water posed a danger.

It happed twice, and the fire service attended on both occasions to pump out those affected.

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Now, the council has ordered 50 Aqua-Sacs, costing about £250. After five minutes in the water, the devices absorb about 13 litres of water to become an inflated "sandbag".

Stuart Davis, clerk to the parish council, said: "We bought 50 Aqua-Sacs previously and they were very efficient with making a difference and consequently they have all been used up.

"We are also in the process of creating a Parish Emergency Plan, which will assist with all types of emergencies including flooding.

"It will be made up of villagers' contact details and skills."

Flooding issues will also be discussed at a special meeting organised by Keelby Parish Council on Wednesday, September 12.

It will start at 6.30pm in the village hall. Numerous agencies and council representatives will be in attendance and questions from the public are welcomed.

As reported, North East Lincolnshire was badly affected by heavy rainfall earlier this summer. Schools were shut and roads were impassable by short but heavy bursts of rain.

Some schoolchildren were even sent for lessons at other buildings.