A GROUP of volunteers set up to take action after the flooding incidents that hit the Chard area in 2021 has shared an update after the recent heavy rainfalls.
The Chard Area Resilience Group (CARG) monitored specific areas in the last few weeks.
David Bell, chairman of the group, said: “The group said they achieved some results, such as the Flood Regulating Pond at the rear of the Millfield Industrial estate.
“CARG entered into discussions with Wessex Water and got an excellent response but, more importantly, quick and decisive action.”
He also added: “There are telltale signs we monitor at many locations and our evidence from last weekend is a good example.
“Without these works the bridge in the photographs would have been underwater in like-for-like rainfall conditions.
“Several times over the last year we have come very close to repeating the 2021 problems.”
CARG came about from a lack of action in the flooding incidents in 2021 when many homes and properties were flooded, he also explained.
“For it to then happen again within a few months was too much for a group of like-minded residents,” Mr Bell added.
Residents for A Better Chard (R4ABC) and Stop Flooding Chard formed CARG and took on the task of liaising with Local Authority Agencies to get results.
CARG members are regularly out in the Chard area to minimise the risk of floods with different actions, including clearing blocked drains.
Earlier this year, the flood prevention group launched an online fundraiser to provide equipment for its volunteers in Chard and the surrounding area.
They made sure volunteer wardens would have the necessary kits and items while they were out and about working on flood prevention.
In August, volunteers and group members worked together to minimise the effect of the heavy rain that hit the area after the heatwave and they cleaned drains just before thunderstorms hit the town to avoid risks of flooding.
The group covers Chard, Crimchard, Forton, Winsham, and surrounding areas, but they are also looking to reach Ilminster.
Chard was badly hit by floods last year when properties in Chard and Ilminster were affected.
The A30 Fore Street, the A358 Furnham Road, and the Glynswood residential area were affected too.
For more information check the CARG group on Facebook.
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