THE preparation of a parish flood strategy is to be considered by Powick Parish Council in line with the Environment Agency's guidelines, described as PACT, Parishes and Communities Together.

The agency's flood warning officer, Jennifer Gaunt, explained to members some of the ways in which they could help, such as drawing up a list of volunteers willing to collect sandbags for those unable to do so.

She also suggested that mentors might be appointed to help individual elderly people.

"Our responsibility is to issue timely and accurate flood warnings, but the parish councils are closest to the local community and best able to help people prepare for the floods.

"We are encouraging parishes to develop their own flood PACTS," she said, at Wednesday's council meeting.

Members were given two information packs, including a video, with advice on how to prepare a local strategy.