A CORE team of flood wardens is being recruited to halt a repeat of devastating floods in West Dorset.

A drive is underway to boost the network of community volunteers who form the “eyes and ears” of the area and fill a key role in the resilience plan designed to deal with severe flooding like that which left West Dorset reeling in the summer.

It comes after a series of drop-in sessions in west Dorset – including Bridport, Charmouth and Lyme Regis – about the floods of July and as heavy rains mark the start of autumn.

The Environment Agency is now signing up volunteers to be at the sharp end of local flood prevention and action in case of further floods.

Nick Reed, Environment Agency flood resilience officer, said the team were delighted with the response at the recent surgeries.

“People raised their concerns with us, very genuine concerns, about what happened and what could be done to improve procedures and all that will go towards our future planning.”

Anyone interested in becoming a flood warden can contact the Environment Agency on floodwessex@environment-agency.gov.uk