Flood wardens could soon be recruited to help prevent flooding across the Cotswolds.
Cotswold District Council leaders have agreed plans to recruit volunteers to help local communities prepare for floods.
Many parts of Gloucestershire are prone to flooding and last winter Cirencester, South Cerney and Bledington were severely affected.
Homes were also flooded in Siddington, Mickleton, Moreton in Marsh, Daglingworth, Coberley and Adlestrop.
Residents suffered flooding inside their homes and many households were left without flushing toilets and household drainage when sewer systems became inundated with river water.
The council anticipates that severe weather events are likely to become more frequent as a direct impact of climate change and cabinet members have agreed to fund a flood warden programme for next year.
They will approach town and parish councils to seek volunteers and train them.
These wardens will act as a link between the council, Environment Agency and civil protection and flood risk teams at Gloucestershire County Council.
And they will also work with parishes and towns to be prepared for flooding and help prevent it.
Cotswold District Council leader Joe Harris said the scheme was a great scheme and really good news.
“This is the time of year when we don’t talk about flooding. It’s really reassuring to see that the district council is taking a lead when it comes to action,” he said.
The scheme will cost £14,000 per year and will be funded from an earmarked reserve for severe weather recovery.
