A council has quashed rumours that it has been selling sandbags to residents in Ewell.

Last week David Cameron told councils in flood-hit areas not to charge for sandbags after two authorities in the southwest admitted to doing so.

Olga Lennon-Nitsche, who works in Ashtead, contacted the Epsom Guardian news desk after hearing that Epsom Council had been asking residents to pay for sandbags distributed on Tuesday, February 11.

She said: "Apparently sandbags have been issued to vulnerable residents in Ewell village but they had to pay for them."

But a council spokesman categorically denied this.

He said: "Epsom and Ewell Borough Council (EEBC) does not offer sandbags for sale in times of flood.

"If flooding is imminent, free sandbags are provided by the council for all homes at risk. If the council deems there is not a flooding risk, sandbags are not offered.

"Some residents remain concerned and will request sandbags, these residents are advised that they can purchase their own sandbags from elsewhere."

He said sandbags had not been provided to residents with flooded cellars because they would not offer any protection from rising ground water.

He said: "EEBC have provided sandbags to Chertsey however this has not been to the detriment of the requirements of this borough."

He said Thames Water had addressed a recent issue with a drain in the Green Lanes area.

Responding to claims councils were selling sandbags Local Government Association spokesman said: "Councils are not charging for sandbags for residents and businesses at risk of flooding.

"It is vital that sandbags are distributed to where they are needed most and this is what local authorities are doing."

Anyone with concerns about flooding should contact Epsom Council on 01372 732000.

TODAY'S TOP STORIES

JOIN US ON FACEBOOK