Council should spend £15,000 to equip volunteer flood wardens in Milton Keynes, say Lib Dem councillors

At this month’s Council meeting, the Lib Dems will propose £15,000 be allocated to this year's budget to fund training and equipment for the volunteers.

The wardens would then be able to build up a network for communications and direct action when a flood occurs.

Their training would include advice on local resilience, crisis management, communication, water safety and roles and responsibilities before, during and after a flood situation, say the Lib Dems.

Within the budget would be some provision for safety equipment such as high visibility waistcoats and portable lighting.

Councillor Vanessa McPake, Liberal Democrat Shadow Cabinet member for Environment, said: “Unfortunately, due to climate change, floods are not going to stop; they’re going to get worse.”

“Although dealing with flooding is the responsibility of many different authorities, not just the Council, we want to be doing as much as we can to make sure we’re properly prepared and able to handle the situation.”

Liberal Democrat Councillor Jane Carr represents Newport Pagnell South, parts of which were flooded over Christmas and in January. She said: “Flood wardens are crucial in these efforts, because it’s their homes and towns that are flooded, and they themselves are often first on the scene. We need to help them help their community.”

Councillor Carr added: “We promised residents impacted by flooding that we wouldn’t let this issue go, and this is one way we’re keeping our promise.”