Town ready for flood in 'dry run'

Flooding scenarios were discussed at the exercise in the town

An exercise in a North Yorkshire town has given residents a chance to rehearse their reactions to a serious flooding incident in the area.

The so-called "Dry run" has been taking place in Boroughbridge, a town on the banks of the River Ure, to give an insight into potential problems.

Emergency services, councillors scouts and Women's Institute members were all invited to the workshop.

If successful the scheme could be offered to other flood-risk areas.

Scenarios included dealing with a car and occupants being swept under a bridge by flood waters or a vulnerable member of the community becoming stranded by rising water.

It should make Boroughbridge one of the best prepared communities in the UK Insurer Tom Oxley

The scheme has been backed by the National Flood Forum and the Environment Agency and the results of the day's exercise will be formulated into a plan for the future.

Tom Oxley, form the insurance firm Norwich Union, said the scheme would help communities be better prepared for the possibility of flooding.

"Planning and preparation can reduce the impact and trauma of a flood, and get people back to normal more quickly.

"We rely on councils and emergency services, but communities also have a key role to play in this.

"It's the range of organisations taking part that makes this project unique, and should make Boroughbridge one of the best prepared communities in the UK."