OREANDA-NEWS. Eastbury Village Flood Prevention Association (EVFPA) has received another boost towards its flood defence efforts following a donation of ?19,000 from Southern Electric Power Distribution.

The windfall comes just after the completion of a flood alleviation scheme to protect the residents and businesses of Eastbury in Berkshire from a repeat of the devastating floods that battered the village in 2007 and again in 2014.

The donation is part of the local electricity network operator’s new Resilient Communities Fund, which enables local groups and not-for-profit organisations help their towns and villages be better prepared to deal with severe weather and emergency situations.

EVFPA applied for the grant in order to provide lifesaving equipment, such as a defibrillator, and first aid training to community volunteers; purchase resources to help clear access in and out of the village, including water pumps, electricity generators, lights, diggers and chainsaws, along with appropriate training; and enhance communication during an emergency situation through the use of two-way radios and loud hailers.

James Potter, Village Warden for Eastbury, explains what the donation will mean to the village: “Flooding has badly affected our village on more than one occasion in recent years, and whilst the new flood alleviation scheme that was opened last month will drastically reduce the likelihood of a repeat, there are no guarantees when it comes to nature. This money from Southern Electric Power Distribution will enable us to be prepared in the event of any severe weather emergency in the future and will allow us to be more self-reliant and look after our villagers until the emergency services are able to attend.”

Stuart Hogarth, Director of Distribution for Southern Electric Power Distribution adds: “It’s fantastic to see EVFPA receive this money and put it to good use in a way that will benefit everybody in the village. Big businesses can play a significant role in supporting communities during times of crisis, and I’m pleased that in setting up this fund we’ve been able to help many towns and villages like Eastbury cope in emergency situations like floods and storms.”