MELKSHAM Town Council is appealing for volunteers to step forward to help create a new flood defence system for the town.

The council is working with Wiltshire Council to help residents be more prepared when there is prolonged heavy rainfall and surface water flooding.

Teresa Strange, clerk at Melksham Without Parish Council, said: “We are working together with Melksham Town Council and Wiltshire Council, which is applying for funds from Defra to put a flood alleviation scheme into place.”

The scheme will seek to protect put prevention measures in place for areas of Melksham prone to flooding, including the ‘high risk’ areas of the town centre and ‘medium risk’ areas in Shaw, Whitley and Shurnhold.

Flooding poses a significant risk to homes and businesses in Wiltshire – In Melksham, nearly 800 properties at are risk. On Sunday, a Whitley householder was flooded out after debris blocked a nearby drain, which was later jetted and cleared.

Volunteer flood wardens and the local authorities had to use submersible pumps in the property, which is not usually prone to flooding.

The River Avon flood plains close to the A350, Bath Road, Lowbourne and Westbury View are all classed as ‘high risk’ areas.

The ‘medium risk’ area includes the A3102 leading into Bank Street, particularly the area near Waitrose and Sainsbury’s supermarkets, and just off Dorset Crescent.

Clare Harris, of Melksham Town Council, said: “We are looking to recruit volunteer flood wardens to act as our ‘eyes and ears’ and help us to monitor specific areas of the town. Training will be provided.

“If you live in an area affected by flooding and feel you would like to help with the plan or just help us out with some local information, please get in touch.”

The volunteers’ task will be to regularly monitor the water levels of the River Avon and nearby streams, brooks, watercourses and drains during heavy rainfalls to make sure they are free from blockages.

To volunteer call into Melksham Town Hall, ring 01225 704187 or email Clare Harris at clare.harris@melkshamtown.co.uk.