As a result of grants received from CRiSP (as Somerset Prepared was formerly known) we were able to finalise setting up the Dunster Community Flood Group in January. The first grant we received was used to buy a new sand store and equipment for protecting the vulnerable parishioners of Dunster. The opening of the sand store was covered comprehensively in the local press and we were able to make sure that people in the area were aware of the help we had received from CRiSP. As a result of this press coverage we were approached by people wishing to be a part of the Dunster Community Flood Group.
The flood group has five wardens including a Chairman and Secretary. Dunster’s permanent population is only about 600 and the majority are elderly. This means there is a great need for a flood group, but not many people are available to be part of the group so we are pleased with the initial response.
We now have a Community Flood Group, a Sand Store, an Equipment Store plus enough equipment to help the group to tackle flooding problems in the future.
Doug Challoner, Chair of Dunster Parish Council.
For more information on establishing a scheme such as that seen in Dunster and the support available to help, see the related links or get in touch.
Dunster Parish Council Flood Group members Geoff Witherford, Alan Vicary, Alan Rigler and Doug Challoner with CRiSP representative Nicola Dawson