Emergency planners are on the lookout for volunteer flood wardens for Wisbech.

Cambs Times: North End Wisbech, View of the river in flood.North End Wisbech, View of the river in flood. (Image: Archant)

The move follows the tidal surge last December that caused the River Nene to come within a few inches of breaching the town’s flood defences.

Cambs Times: Police station on Nene parade, Wisbech.Police station on Nene parade, Wisbech. (Image: Archant)

Flood warden schemes consist of nominated volunteers who receive direct flood warnings from the Environment Agency and pass these on to their neighbours.

Each flood warden will have a certain area that he or she will look after, and by working together with the local authority and the Environment Agency, ensure their community is prepared for flooding.

Fenland District Council and the Environment Agency will provide support and training, and help with the production of Community Flood Plan.

Nine local residents have so far indicated they are willing to act as flood wardens. They are due to hold an initial meeting with a representative of the Environment Agency on June 11.

David Vincent, Fenland District Council’s emergency planning officer, said: “December’s tidal surge was a ‘near miss’ for Wisbech and no one can predict what the next one will bring. We need to be well prepared. Flooding is a natural process and while it cannot be prevented, there are things we can do to be ready for such an event.

“We are now working with the Environment Agency and a group of local people to look the possibility of setting up a Wisbech Voluntary Flood Warden scheme. For that to work, we need a group of committed volunteers.”

If you are interested in becoming a flood warden for Wisbech, call David Vincent at Fenland District Council on 01354 654321 or e-mail dvincent@fenland.gov.uk, call Councillor Virginia Bucknor on 01945 584207, or drop in at Community House, 10 Southwell Road, Wisbech.