THREE north Cotswold communities have been honoured for their outstanding work in protecting their neighbourhoods from flooding and other emergencies.

Willersey Stream Team, Weston-sub-Edge Parish Council and Naunton Flood Group have all received awards from Cotswold District Council The awards, which were also presented to Fairford and Lechlade Town Councils and Poulton Parish Council, were handed out by CDC flood resilience cabinet member Barry Gibbs at a recent CDC watercourse clearance event.

Councillor Gibbs said: “These communities have done a great deal to help themselves by undertaking an impressive range of projects, including extensive work to keep local ditches and watercourses clear and running free. They are a credit to the Cotswold District and fully deserve this small token of our appreciation.”

Accepting the awards were Tim Prestage of the Willersey Stream Team, Westob-sub-Edge Parish Council chairman David Smith and Graham Hunter of the Naunton Flood.

Mr Prestage of Willersey said: “We are very grateful to CDC and Gloucestershire Highways for the timely and practical way they have dealt with our flooding concerns by carrying out several significant improvements.

“ In particular we would like to thank council officers for their unfailing support and encouragement to keep us volunteers going when several of us may easily have given up.”

CDC community resilience officer Tim Dowan said: “I have been working to support these communities since 2008, and the resources and commitment that they can muster never ceases to amaze me. I estimate that during 2010 approaching 500 volunteers have donated their time to support their communities and help reduce flood risk.”

For information about joining or forming a resilience group in your neighbourhood, contact Tim Dowan on 01285 623433