What is Community Recovery and Restoration?
The process of restoring and rebuilding the community in the aftermath of an incident (Recovery: An Emergency Management Guide, Home Office).
Why do we need Community Recovery and Restoration Guidance?
Castle Morpeth Borough Council identified the need for a community recovery guidance document in November 2005 after severe flooding in Carlisle. It provides a framework for helping communities get back on their feet as swiftly as possible following natural disasters or major accidents, by outlining how organisations such as the local authorities, health and social services, and regeneration agencies would all work together to co-ordinate social, economic and environmental recovery in the wake of incidents such as major floods, fires, industrial or transport accidents.
Castle Morpeth with partners in the Morpeth Flood Group decided to develop guidance in February 2006. The need for this guidance was further reinforced after major flooding across the country in 2007.
This document is intended to act as guidance for the working groups and personnel involved in the community recovery process. It is not intended to replace professional expertise or cover legal advice. It is very firmly about community recovery and so community engagement is central to it.
We have acted out of necessity; we may experience such an incident and that means coordinated and appropriate aid to the community is essential. We hope this document provides a focus for partners and community groups and would welcome any observations or comments. Other Councils or Emergency Planning organisisations are welcome to make use of this guidance subject to conditions indicated in the document.
Please send any comments to..
Mr Alan Purdue
Principal Environmental Health Officer - Pollution and Emergency Planning
Environmental Health Section
Castle Morpeth Borough Council
Longhirst Hall
Morpeth
Northumberland NE61 3LR
or you can e-mail them to EHAdmin@castlemorpeth.gov.uk