The members of the Crickhowell and Surrounding Villages Flood Warden Scheme met to receive their hi-vis waterproof jackets and ID cards. This equipment has been paid for with funds raised from the public, after the terrible flooding following Storm Dennis in February 2020. When the scheme was first created, flood-affected residents agreed that they wished donated funds to be used for this equipment. The scheme is now overseen, and volunteers are insured by the Voluntary Bureau in Crickhowell. Thanks go to Kerry Crosfield for her enormous help.

Flood wardens support residents in vulnerable areas to prepare for flooding, respond to an imminent flood, act during a flood and recover from a flood. The aim is to ensure that all household members are safe and that flood damage to property is minimised. Once residents are safe, there are roles helping with sandbags and informing drivers of road closures. There is some further training being organised at present through the Powys County Council Emergency Response Team. Powys County Council have now also provided a store of sandbags, for both sides of the River Usk. Thanks to Cllr Jackie Charlton and Cllr John Morris for organising these.

Although Llangattock is now well covered, we could do with more volunteers coming forward as flood wardens for Crickhowell and surrounding villages to ensure we have plenty of cover should a flood occur.

As flood wardens we really hope that we will not be required, so it does not require a huge time commitment, but we do need to be on standby during bad weather events. If you would like to help prepare your community to manage during future flood events, please get in touch with Duncan Forbes on: crickresponse@gmail.com.