Volunteers needed for initiative to reduce chance of flooding in at-risk Northamptonshire communities

An initiative to help at-risk communities reduce the chance of flooding has been launched for the third time.

The Community Flood Resilience Pathfinder project, run by Northamptonshire County Council, aims to help a further 30 communities to apply for support to reduce the likelihood of flash flooding.

Members of the community would need to be willing to become flood wardens, to act as the main point of contact, as well as receiving support to come up with community action plans and long-term solutions.

This type of initiative has been put in place to help areas, such as Far Cotton, avoid more flooding that caused severely damaged homes and businesses, by spotting any issues within the community that could prove problematic.

Cllr Jason Smithers, county council cabinet member for Highways and Place, said: “This year has seen communities across Northamptonshire and the rest of the world rally together to face up to the public health threat coronavirus.

“The support networks which have been built across communities during this difficult time have proven that when we work together we can face any type of risk.

“With this newly rekindled sense of community spirit there is hope that many communities will continue to work together to manage future risks - including flooding.

“As the months grow wetter and darker, flooding becomes more prominent and the Community Flood Resilience Pathfinder project will enable us all to work together in mitigating these risks.”

Communities are invited by the council to submit an application explaining how the initiative could be of benefit to them.

In return for joining the scheme, which is paid for by funds made available by the Anglian Northern Regional Flood and Coastal Committee, communities will benefit from the undertaking of a flood risk and mitigation survey by civil engineers, plus support in developing community action plans and long-term solutions.

The project also includes training for community members who wish to become flood wardens or otherwise get involved in flood risk management in their area. There is also some funding available to help communities implement flood management solutions.

To apply go to the Flood Toolkit website. Alternatively, for more information send an email to [email protected].

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