WHEN you think of Prudhoe, with all its many steep hills, you don't necessarily think of flooding as being much of an issue.

But it has been known to happen - particularly in the areas close to the river, such as the Low Prudhoe industrial estate.

It's perhaps why the town was so unprepared for the might of Storm Desmond, which caused chaos across Tynedale.

Now, in the hope of preventing such chaos from happening again in the future, a team of concerned residents have become flood warden volunteers.

They have finalised a community flood plan for Prudhoe, working alongside the Environment Agency.

“Community Flood Plans are something you create in the hope that you will never need to use them” explains Lead Flood Warden, Prudhoe town councillor Chris Barrett.

“As with other areas of Tynedale we are under threat when river levels rise and with heavy rain.

"We saw terrible flooding during Storm Desmond and as a community were somewhat unprepared.

"Our role is to liaise with local at risk residential and business properties and provide advice on how best to mitigate the effects of flooding.

"We also continually monitor river levels and keep the public informed.”

As well as monitoring river levels, flood wardens also look out for localised flooding on roads and other areas, caused by heavy rainfall.

Community flood plans allow groups to work together to respond quicker to flooding. They can help communities decide what practical actions to take before and during a flood, helping reduce the damage flooding can cause.

The Environment Agency's Colin Hall explained the role of flood wardens.

He said: "“Flood Wardens are not to put themselves at risk by wading into deep water.

“Their role is to act as a liaison between the Environment Agency, emergency services and residents and business owners. They are our eyes and ears on the ground and are able to coordinate the efforts of all agencies that may be involved."

Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer flood warden can contact Colin at colin.hall@environment-agency.gov.uk.

Storm Desmond which battered the district in 2016 was particularly damaging on the industrial estate at Low Prudhoe.

Tyne Valley Plastics, in Low Prudhoe, was submerged beneath a foot-and-a-half of water, and control panels and power supplies to much of the machinery at the injection moulding plastics company was ruined, putting the business out of production.

In addition, neighbouring A.V Works, was left £20,000 out of pocket due to flood damage

Both businesses have since left the town for good.

The town is also often beset by flooding at the railway station, where a dip in the road often fills with water.

County Councillor Gordon Stewart, who represents Prudhoe South, felt the plan would be useful in the future.

He said: “I have seen first-hand the devastating effects that flooding can have in Prudhoe.

"The creation of flood wardens and the community flood plan are a hugely positive advance in combatting this problem”