From the Chair November

Chair’s note, November 2025

It’s that time of year. The low levels in the reservoirs perhaps mean that our baseline risk of flood is lower than in previous years; all the same, it has been pretty darn wet….

One of the things we’re asked to do as a Parish Council for an area at risk is to appoint flood wardens, who can co-ordinate activity when flood is threatened or has materialised. As a council, we’ve been very grateful to first John W and Nick, and then John B and Bob, who have retired from their roles after several years service.

Happily, we ‘ve been able to recruit new flood wardens quickly, in time for the period of peak risk. The council is hugely grateful to Sam Marsh and Chris Owen for putting their hands up. Both have already undertaken the necessary training, and both came to say hello to councillors at our November meeting.

It can’t be overstressed that we expect our flood wardens to stay dry (well, to have dry feet at least). They absolutely are not there to take risks, or go into or even close to flood water. The role is to disseminate information and coordinate activity in real time. Having people who know what is supposed to happen, where stuff is, who to contact, etc, is an enormous boon when stuff is happening quickly and lots of people
are trying to help.

Our parish clerk has also had flood warden training, so that potentially gives us three pairs of hands.

As well as flood wardens, it’s good practice to have a Flood Response Plan. We do have one, but it needs a little tidying and updating. The idea is to have a document which presents in simple form information that will be useful in a flood: in particular contact details, and information about our at-risk properties and who lives there. Let’s hope none of this is needed in the coming months. But the team is ready if it is.