A NEW campaign to warn Chesham residents about the risks of flooding in the town has been launched.

The FloodSmart programme was launched at the Town Hall on Wednesday 9 and will help residents reduce the risk of their homes flooding.

Chesham is one of just 13 towns in the country to have been identified as being at risk of flooding by the new programme, which has been launched by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Project Leader Anne-Claire Loftus, who is Flood Management Officer for Buckinghamshire County Council, said: "Thousands of properties in Chesham are at risk of being flooded. We need to let people know that it’s a very real risk that could happen at any time and to help them be prepared. 

"The town is most prone to groundwater and surface water flooding because of its topography and the chalk rock it sits on and parts of the town are also at risk from river flooding.

"If people live in an area of Chesham that is identified as being at flood risk, then we urge them to take flood preparation seriously. Being flooded is quite simply devastating and has a massive impact on people’s lives."

At-risk residents can get a free survey for the property through FloodSmart, which will show how at risk they are and give personalised flood protection advice.

Grants towards measures that can help reduce the runoff of stormwater, such as water butts and rain gardens, will also be available to residents and business owners depending on their flood risk level.

For more information go to  www.buckinghamshirepartnership.gov.uk/floodsmart.