Buckfastleigh residents are invited to join in an emergency flood plan meeting at the town hall tonight, March 7, from 6.30pm

The Environmental Agency, Buckfastleigh Flood Group and town council will showcase procedures to be followed in the event of an overflow of the River Mardle.

A spokesman said: ‘Although it’s a rare occurrence, there are times when overflow from the local River Mardle threatens residents in Buckfastleigh.

‘A flood prevention plan has been written and all residents, agencies and organisations in the town are invited to the town hall to hear all about it.

‘All are welcome and encouraged to attend this meeting, where locals can agree to work alongside emergency services; provide admin support; monitor the river levels in the vicinity; raise awareness of the dangers of flooding; or assist with the running of shelters and food banks in communal areas to provide sustenance to anybody affected by an excessive water deluge.

‘Winter is drawing to a close and spring is on the way, which is undoubtedly a cause for celebration. However, April showers can turn into downpours, and those cloudbursts can soon grow torrential.

‘Flooding can destroy property and livelihoods but, with the appropriate preparation, such ruination can be avoided.’