Storm Eunice : Melton updates

An amber warning has been announced for Leicestershire and Rutland, meaning there is a danager to life and a high risk of injury from falling debris as Storm Eunice blows through.

There have been reports of a number of trees being felled by the high winds, including one outside the church at Long Clawson and another close to the A607 Leicester Road in Melton, just past the Samworth Brothers site.

Fallen trees on the highway should be reported to Leicestershire County Council by calling them on 0116 305 0001.

A number of leisure and visitor venues are closed today due to the weather conditions, including Twinlakes theme park and the grounds at Belvoir Castle.

Melton Borough Council has confirmed that bins are still being collected today despite the high winds but the authority advises residents to bring them in as soon as collections have been completed.

A council spokesperson told the Melton Times: “While we are not expecting to be the worst hit in the country, we are expecting the height of the storm to hit mid-afternoon.

“We know that there is likely to be an increase in demand for some of our services as a result of the storm, we apologise for any delays this may cause but we are confident that our teams will do their best to make sure our residents and customers are well looked after at this time.

“We will endeavour to keep residents advised and informed of any changes to services through our website and social media pages.”

Residents can report storm-related issues to the council by emailing [email protected] or calling customer services team on 01664 502502.

Rail passengers are being advised not to travel in the East Midlands today, as Network Rail prepares to respond to the storm.

Additional, trained workers have been deployed at key locations across the region to respond to issues quickly, as strong winds and heavy rain are expected to cause widespread disruption for the railway.

Fallen trees and other debris can blow onto the line, with the potential to damage train-powering electric wiring or block the track.

Trains will need to run at lower speeds to be safe - and services will be significantly reduced.

Twinlakes theme park, near Melton, said it had decided to close today.

A spokesperson said: “Anyone with tickets for today, please email [email protected] with your booking reference number and a new date you would like to attend.”

The grounds at Belvoir Castle are also closed to the public today while the storm rages across the Vale of Belvoir.

A castle spokesperson said: “We apologise for any inconvenience this has caused.

“If you have purchased Garden Entry admission for this date, you are welcome to redeem your tickets on any of our alternative opening days.

“The castle grounds will re-open as usual on Saturday February 19 subject to weather forecasts.”

Gary Walsh, East Midlands Route Director for Network Rail, said: “As the weather worsens I’d advise passengers to avoid travelling today and, wherever possible, try to replan your journey when conditions improve.”

Leicestershire County Council will have crews available during the day and night in the wake of Storm Eunice to keep the road network moving and deal with any reported issues.

Councillor Ozzy O’Shea, cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “Our forestry and emergency response teams will be available to make roads and footpaths safe if trees or branches fall due to strong winds.

“We will constantly monitor the weather situation and resources will be available if needed. However, along with other agencies, we would also urge people to consider only making journeys, if essential.”

The stronger winds are expected in the Melton borough today between 11am and 3pm.

We will update this page as we hear about damage to property, road closures and other incidents associated with the storm.

Please send us any information or photos relating to Storm Eunice incidents today by emailing [email protected] so we can keep residents up to date with areas which may be dangerous during the day.