Severe weather predicted

THE Met Office has predicted a heavy, prolonged band of rain from the east, which will enter Staffordshire Moorlands this evening and may extend into the High Peak.

 Rainfall of between 60 and 70mm is predicted, and it is anticipated that this will result in localised flooding and surface water problems. It is expected that the rain will start in the early hours of Friday (July 6) and, while it cannot be predicted exactly, the deluge is expected to have ended by around 9pm.

People living by water courses should regularly view the Met Office website, and those not already subscribing to the Environment Agency's Floodline service should do so as soon as possible. For advice on preparing for a flood, please access the Environment Agency's Floodline service on 0845 988 1188 or visit the agency's website.

The council has a limited number of sandbags which are available by calling customer services on (01298) 28400. Sandbags may also be purchased from local DIY stores and builders' merchants.