Sir, – Further to the “Flood questions” highlighted by Richard Collin (D&S letters, October 5) regarding the dismal performance of the emergency services in responding to the deluge in Gilling West on September 25, I want to express warmest thanks to the men and women of the fire and rescue crews, for their efforts in calmly dealing with the full horror and distress of the floods and the devastation caused to 26 properties, plus 16 elderly residents marooned in Oswin Grove.
Firefighters worked four days and nights, coping with unprecedented levels of standing water, unblocking drains and evacuating residents.
Their kindness and humanity to householders in minimising damage to belongings and saving property was a gallant service to our community.
Firefighter teams (some of them retained to serve rural communities) were drawn from as far afield as Scarborough, Danby, Hawes, Cumbria and Humberside. We are most appreciative for the assistance these crews gave, along with our local farmers and others, in dealing with the aftermath of the worst storm in Gilling West in over 30 years. Thank you does not even begin to express how grateful we are.
MAUREEN HOWARTH Gilling West.
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