Laura Sharman 18 February 2022

Storm Eunice forces councils to close services

Storm Eunice forces councils to close services image
Image: AlanMorris / Shutterstock.com

Councils across the UK have been forced to suspend public services, close schools and provide emergency help for rough sleepers due to Storm Eunice.

The Met Office has issued rare Red Weather Warnings due to expected 'damaging and disruptive' winds that could represent a danger to life.

A number of councils have suspended bin collections today over fears for staff and resident safety, including Bristol City Council, Dorset Council, Newport City Council and Southampton Council.

Cllr Jane Mudd, leader of Newport City Council, said: 'This has been described as an ‘historic event’ and is potentially the most severe storm for 30 years. I urge residents to stay at home when Storm Eunice hits unless it is absolutely essential and please be careful if you do have to go out.

'For this reason, we are suspending some services and closing some of our buildings. This is not a decision that is taken lightly.'

Other measures being taken by councils include closing leisure and tourism facilities, pausing street cleansing, closing recycling centres, and suspending school transport services.

Many councils including Bristol City Council, BCP Council and Somerset Council have also closed schools for the day.

Some have also activated their Severe Weather Emergency Protocol to provide emergency shelter for homeless people.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan announced last night emergency shelters would be open to provide rough sleepers with a safe place to stay during the storm.

 

Cllr David Renard, environment spokesperson for the Local Government Association, said: 'Council staff continue to work around-the-clock to ensure the safety of residents, homes and businesses, shore up flood defences, and protect road networks and power supplies as much as possible.

'People living in affected areas should keep an eye on their councils' social media channels and their websites and follow their advice as they provide rolling updates on the situation in local areas, provide safety advice and detail any service disruption.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Residential Worker

Essex County Council
£27934.00 - £35344.00 per annum + + 26 Days Leave & Local Gov Pension
Residential WorkerPermanent, Full Time£27,934 up to £35,344 Per Annum (includes allowance) equal to £14.48 to £18.32 Per HourLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Early Years Keyworker

Royal Borough of Greenwich
£37,068 - £38,058
Want to make a difference for children with special educational needs in Greenwich? Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Early Years Area SENCo

Royal Borough of Greenwich
£39,855 - £42,324
Have you got extensive experience in working within Early Years, with a clear understanding of child development Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Young Persons Substance Misuse Service Pathfinder

Royal Borough of Greenwich
£31,524 - £32,931
Are you looking to change the lives of young people? Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Senior Regulatory Compliance Officer

Royal Borough of Greenwich
£37,068 - £38,058
You will be an apprentice embedded within the Trading Standards team. Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich
Linkedin Banner