COMMUNITY emergency volunteers in Bradford on Avon have welcomed the arrival of a new equipment container this week which will see them ready to respond to any civil emergencies such as flooding.

The scheme launched in November last year to provide additional help “boots on the ground” for emergency services and to help the public during such events.

Paul Robertson, who came up with the initiative, said: “We will be using the storage container for all of our flood prevention equipment and we have now been issued with flood warning signs.”

The container, which is similar to a shipping container, is now located at the fire station and will hold necessary equipment such as gel sacs, flood signs and sand bags.

Senior co-ordinator Mr Robertson said: “It is vital for us to have the storage container where it is and we are incredibly thankful to Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service for letting us locate it there – and to Wiltshire Police for their help too.

“It is in a prime location because it is close to the river and we do not have to walk very far with our equipment if we are needed.”

Mr Robertson managed to secure funding through grants from the area board and town council, who collectively have given over £3,000 towards the cause.

At a recent volunteers day in the town, the group was also able to recruited seven additional volunteers, bringing the total to 28.

The CEVs are also starting to train as crowd marshals for community events which will provide volunteers with additional skills and also promote the idea of the community-led initiative.

Mr Robertson added: “One thing we are also campaigning for, along with James Vincent at J Alex Brown, is for residents to donate various types of hand tools like spare shovels, brooms, spades, and buckets to help our work.”

To find out what tools can be donated or bought for the community emergency volunteers, visit J Alex Brown in Silver Street.