THE village of Sticklepath will be better protected from flooding in the future thanks to a grant enabling the purchase of ‘hydrosnakes’.

Sticklepath Parish Council was one of 22 recipients of a resilience grant from the Devon Community Flood Forum. The grants were used by community groups wanting to become more resilient to purchase equipment identified as they develop their local Emergency Plan.

Derek Holland Moore, newly elected chairman of Sticklepath Parish Council, said: ‘We were fortunate to be granted £1,995 as part of an allocation for materials which local communities can use in the event of flooding.

‘We have an emergency team which required a small amount of equipment and clothing but the parish council considered the hydrosnakes and hydrosacks were more effective than sandbags. The snakes and sacks are inflated by water and provide barriers to keep water out of buildings and can redirect water flow.

‘Much of Sticklepath village is officially in an area at risk of flooding, although we have not experienced problems for many years. We have the River Taw which can rise quickly in storm conditions, there has been concern about the leat running through the village and there can be run-off from fields. We are aware of the risks of climate change, so have an emergency plan to cover flooding as a risk.

‘Residents with concerns have been able to bid for snakes and sacks and will store them where they are needed. A small number of snakes and sacks will be held centrally and the emergency team of volunteers will be mobilised to help out where needed.’