People living in Garden Village, Rhiwbina, are not leaving anything to chance when it comes to flood risk, and are taking action to make sure they are better protected for the future.

Environment Agency Wales is working with local people as well as Cardiff Council to produce a community flood plan to protect a section of the street that’s prone to flooding.

Two years ago, a number of homes in the street were flooded by water from a local brook. After seeing the upset and heartbreak caused, Mary Clarke and her neighbours decided they should develop a plan to protect themselves.

Mary said: “After the last big flood, I realised that we needed to take action to help ourselves.

“We were approached by flood awareness officers from Environment Agency Wales about developing a community flood plan for our section of the street.

“Most people in the street were keen to be involved. As many people had flooded before, they were already taking small steps to prepare, but the flood plan helped us to bring it all together.

“We all shared our experiences of flooding, and put it all down in the plan. We also allocated roles for people in the street – who will help elderly neighbours move their possessions, who will call the emergency services and who will monitor water levels in the brook - so the next time floods threaten our homes we all know who will do what.”

Mary and her neighbours had the opportunity to test their plan after some torrential rainfall in December.

She said: “I noticed the brook was raging after a few days of stormy weather and was very close to flooding.

“I put our actions into place and contacted my neighbours to warn them. We checked the water levels every two hours, started to move our personal belongings upstairs, and kept in touch with each other until the weather improved.

“This flood plan is vital to the people in our street and has really helped to reassure some of the more vulnerable residents who now know that if there is a risk of flooding, somebody will be coming to help them – they are not alone.

“I would encourage others at risk of flooding to think about a plan for their area. We might not be able to stop flooding, but now we are ready for it if it does happen.”

Cllr Adrian Robson, Rhiwbina ward councillor said: “This community flood plan will be a real asset to those affected by flooding in Garden Village, and it is an excellent example of neighbours taking proactive steps to protect themselves for the future.

“Working with Cardiff Council and Environment Agency Wales, people here have brought their experience of flooding together into a plan which is purpose-built for their community.”

The Agency's Flood Awareness Wales manager Amanda Irvine said:

“We’re urging anyone active in their local community to think about completing a community flood plan for their area.

“Working together as a group is vital during flooding to help ensure a fast response, and having an emergency plan in place can prevent stress later on, protect properties and ultimately help save lives."

People interested in working with the Agency to develop a community flood plan for their area should contact Floodline on 0845 988 1188 or email floodawareness.wales@environment-agency.gov.uk

For more information about how to prepare for flooding as an individual or a community, contact Floodline on 0845 988 1188 or visit www.environment-agency.gov.uk/floodwales