Councillors to learn more about flooding (From Chard & Ilminster News)

Councillors to learn more about flooding

8:04am Monday 18th February 2008 in Chard By Steve Sowden

COUNCILLORS from across the area are expected to attend a seminar later this week to find out more about what will need to be done in the event of a flood.

The problems caused by flooding seem to becoming an annual headache, especially in and around the Chard area, and a series of flood fairs have been organised by the Somerset Local Authorities Civil Contingencies Partnership.

The flood fairs will bring together information from the five district councils, as well as Trading Standards, the Environment Agency, and the Met Office - with the aim of teaching local councillors how to make a flood plan, and how to prepare for an emergency.

The councillors will take part in an emergency planning workshop and will have the chance to chat to the fire and police authorities and community safety organisations who will be on hand to give advice.

Leader of South Somerset District Council, Cllr Tim Carroll, said: "Given recent weather events both locally and nationally this is a very topical subject.

"It is encouraging to see all the local authorities getting together to pass on information where it is most needed.

"It is important that we all have a clear plan for any situation, and in working together to create the flood fairs we can use our collective knowledge to become even better prepared as an entire county."

The flood fairs are taking place at Yeovil Town FC on Thursday, February 21, and North Petherton Community Centre on Friday, February 22.