HARLOW Council and Kier Harlow have been responding to the effects of the storm experienced in Harlow this morning. Work took place at the end of last week to ensure workforces were ready to respond to emergency calls and that trees and structures were made as safe as possible.

This morning Kier Harlow took around 500 telephone calls and the roofing and fencing teams have been responding to emergencies as they are reported. Despite the high number of calls, pre-booked housing repairs appointment are being kept to.

Chainsaw operators have been working around the town to respond to fallen trees, with priority given to clearing roads and pathways. Street cleaning teams have also been reacting to the increase in debris on the streets and roads across the town to ensure safety for residents. So far 45 reports of damaged trees have been made to the Council.

Kier Harlow say that all emergency works to reported trees and clearing up debris should be responded to by the end of today with normal services resuming tomorrow (29 October 2013).

Councillor Mark Wilkinson, Leader of Harlow Council, said, ‘I would like to thank those who are working so hard to clear-up Harlow. Like much of the South this storm has battered Harlow and Harlow Council and its partner Kier Harlow are working flat out to help get the town back up on its feet and cleared up. Last week we put plans in place to ensure we were both prepared when the storm hit and these plans are in action today. Clearly work will be carried out on a priority basis and if residents see any damage please report it to us so it can be logged and responded to.’

John Phillips, Operations Director for Kier Harlow said, ‘I am pleased that the joint contingency plans we put in place last week have worked effectively and that the Town will soon be back to normal. Our grounds teams are working to ensure that this is the case.’

If residents wish to report an emergency Kier Harlow can be contacted on 01279 446666. Damaged trees on Council land should be reported to Contact Harlow on 01279 446655