Scottish and Southern Electricity Network (SSEN) has issued an award from its Resilient Communities Fund to a community group in Oxfordshire to better enable it to assist local residents who have been affected by flooding.

The Yarnton Community Emergency Group, which includes parish councillors and supports a group of volunteers in the village called the Yarnton Flood Defence Group, applied to SSEN's RCF for just under £2,000 of funding that would buy them the equipment they needed to help them respond to residents' needs during flooding, and to potentially reduce the damage caused to waterlogged homes.

Run wholly by village volunteers who respond in emergency situations, the group have invested their RCF award in equipment including submersible pumps, long pump outlet and suction hoses, and shovels; all vital, additional kit to enable them confidently and safely carry out their assistance to the community.

-- Advertisement --

Craig Rankin, SSEN's Head of Region covering the Yarnton area said: "I'm delighted that through SSEN's Resilient Communities Fund, we have been able to safely boost the response of this established community group.

"I'd like to thank both Yarnton Community Emergency Group and the Yarnton Flood Defence Group for the care they provide to their community.

"While SSEN has played a small part in assisting local residents with this award of £1992, it's clear to see that it will be used well to enhance the ongoing work of this local group, bringing peace of mind to local residents for years to come."

A spokesperson for the Yarnton Community Emergency Group added: "When torrential rain occurs and it seems likely that residents will need help, members of the parish council and Yarnton Flood Defence group initially go to the houses that frequently experience flooding to see what help they can offer, then look elsewhere in the village for affected properties and residents who are in need of assistance. Yarnton Flood Defence Group also liaises with land-owners and relevant authorities concerning necessary maintenance of watercourses that need to be clear of debris to prevent flooding.

"The equipment that the grant has made possible to purchase, including pumps, hoses, wheelbarrows, PPE, brooms and shovels will help Yarnton Flood Defence group  to be more effective in assisting Yarnton village residents when flooding events occur. Yarnton Parish Council and the Flood Defence Group would like to extend their thanks to SSEN for the generous grant, making the purchase of necessary flood mitigation equipment possible."