BIDFORD was this week among a number of towns and villages in Warwickshire taking part in an operation to test national flood defences.

Exercise Watermark, which launched on Friday and finishes tomorrow, is testing the country’s response to surface water, reservoir, river and coastal flooding.

Across the county, the exercise has been co-ordinated by a partnership of responders including local authorities, the Environment Agency, Warwickshire Police and Warwick- shire Fire and Rescue Service.

A number of events have been taking place, including mock emergency flood exercises and planning activities, including in Bidford, which was one of the worst-hit villages during the July 2007 floods.

Principal emergency planning officer for Warwickshire County Council Sally Lange said: “One in six properties in England and Wales is at risk of flooding. It is only by working and practising together that we will be ready to protect people’s lives, homes and livelihoods when flooding hits.

“During the week we will be working with district and parish councils to help them test their emergency flooding procedures. We will also be raising awareness in local communities to help them start preparing before a flood happens.”

Residents can find out if they are at risk of flooding and how to receive early warnings at environment-agency.gov.uk or by calling Floodline on 08459 881188. For more information on Exercise Watermark, log on to exercisewatermark.co.uk.