THE recent flooding across Gloucestershire saw representatives from local authorities across the county come together to minimise disruption to residents.

When the heavy rain started last week a coordination group was set up with representatives from all six district councils along with Gloucestershire County Council.

While the district councils supported residents, GCC concentrated on keeping as many roads open as possible, tackling draining issues and co-ordinating the response from the fire service.

GCC highways officers attended 200 emergency incidents across the county while Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service received 350 calls from people needing help.

More than 8,000 sandbags were distributed around the county and around 500 homes were visited and offered support by council teams.

In the Cotswolds, a relief centre was set up at the Cotswold Leisure Centre in Cirencester, although it was not needed, and an emergency coordination team was set up to work with agencies such as the Environment Agency and the emergency services.

Although around 80 homes in the county were flooded, the Environment Agency has since said that without investment into flood protection measures since the devastating floods of 2007, this number would have been greater than 500.

GCC cabinet member for communities Cllr Will Windsor-Clive (Con, Newent) said the seven local authorities had worked together to protect people from flood waters and to minimise disruption.

“Although any property flooding is traumatic for residents, it is reassuring that our investment in flood alleviation has protected so many more properties from flooding,” he said.

Cotswold District Council cabinet member for the environment Cllr David Fowles (Con, Hampton) said he was impressed by how people across the district came together to help people affected by the flooding.

“Residents, assisted by officers and councillors from both the town and district councils, were out on the streets working alongside Ubico Ltd, the Environment Agency, police and other agencies to mitigate the effects of the flooding,” he said.

“The CDC emergency coordination team we set up at our Trinity Road headquarters did a great job getting to grips with the extent of the flooding.

“The coordination team identified key issues where we could lend assistance and work effectively with the emergency services and other agencies such as utility providers.

“We are now working with residents to provide guidance on cleaning up after the event, and we are also issuing warnings about bogus callers and rogue traders who may try to take advantage of the situation.”

Any residents affected by flooding will soon receive letters advising them of help and guidance available to then, including how to apply for emergency relief grants.