The Council's policy is to provide sandbags at five strategic places in the district where flooding has historically occurred and also at the Council's depot in Stowmarket. These bags are free of charge.

The locations are:

• Garage No 1 Abbey Terrace, Hoxne
• Garage No 10 Chapel Close, Fressingfield
• Garage No 5 Barretts Lane, Needham Market
• Garage No 4 Windyridge, Rattlesden
• Garage No 2 Glebe Close, Baylham
• Creeting Road Depot, Stowmarket

The stocks of sandbags at the above locations are limited and will be topped up as necessary within normal working hours.

The Council does not have a statutory responsibility to provide sandbags. The Council will provide a limited service within the resources available. It is the responsibility of homeowners to take their own precautions and as our stock of sandbags will be limited people are encouraged to pre purchase from builders merchants or DIY stores - B & Q are currently selling sandbags.

The above garages will be unlocked from 10.30 am on Thursday 2nd January 2003 for local residents to collect sandbags. The Parish Clerks for the above parishes have been notified of this arrangement.

For further information contact