Southwell residents are being urged to sign up to help with the largest system of emergency road closures in Europe, which could come into force if it floods again.
A total of 21 roads could be closed by volunteers in the event of flooding to reduce damage to properties.
Mrs Jacky Huson, a member of Southwell Flood Forum, said they were seeking volunteers to be trained to become road closure wardens. She said:
“Road closure wardens are of major importance in terms of providing flood and people management.
“It’s about people being aware of not walking and driving through flood water, which puts them at risk but can cause further flooding damage to properties by causing bow waves.”
Mrs Huson said she had been told by Nottinghamshire County Council if 21 roads were closed it would be the most complex and biggest emergency road closure in Europe.
The flood forum also hopes to recruit volunteer street representatives responsible for working with groups of homes to improve flood resilience.
Mrs Huson said: “We want to create a network so we know there is someone we can contact to warn if there looks like there might be bad weather and they can pass the message on to neighbours to be prepared.”
A drop-in event is being held by the Flood Forum, backed by Nottinghamshire County Council and other agencies, to encourage people to support each another as flood wardens, road closure wardens and street representatives.
It is at Southwell Library on Wednesday 18th June, 7pm to 9pm.
A free goody bag is on offer for the first 50 who sign up to be part of a warden scheme.
There will be stalls on a range of topics, including emergency planning, a residents’ signage and closure scheme for flooded roads, dyke clearance activities, and insurance queries.
It will also feature an update on a flood study commissioned by the county council and mitigation options.
Mr Rob Fisher, of the county council’s emergency planning team, said:
“Anything the community can do to help themselves cope with the initial impact is beneficial, particularly if there are vulnerable people unable to help themselves.
“The community resilience work in Southwell is the most ambitious I have seen in any local community and I would encourage other areas, particularly those at risk of flooding, to have a look at their work.”
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