THE efforts of volunteers during the catastrophic winter floods were recognised last week.

Somerset County Council’s leader, chairman and chief executive wrote to Somerset Emergency Volunteers (SEV) as well as holding an award presentation for all the organisations from the Somerset Emergency Volunteer Agencies Group (SEVAG).

John Osman, leader of the council, said: “Many people gave up their time to help out during last winter’s floods. It was a remarkable response from people from many difference places and walks of life.

Their help was extremely important when we were coping with the emergency and then in the work to get communities back onto their feet.”

With the emergency over and the immediate recovery work essentially complete, the contract with SEV comes to an end at the end of this week with the focus now firmly on helping local communities become more resilient to any future flooding.

As part of the 20 Year Flood Action Plan work, Community Resilience Groups have already been created in six villages on Levels and Moors.

The Old School Building in Burrowbridge, which is being leased by the County Council, will continue to have a regular local authority presence to support resilience building.

The council is also continuing to fund advice for businesses and farmers and is ready to fund public meetings if needed.