CIVIC leaders in Fairford have hailed their recently compiled Emergency Action Plan a success after following it while tackling the threat of flooding last week.

Volunteers and members of Fairford Town Council quickly contacted the relevant authorities to secure a delivery of sandbags near the town centre shoveling nearly six tonnes of sand and shoring up the River Coln.

The town council has been drawing up the action plan over the past few months. When completed, Cotswold District Council hope to use it as a blueprint for all parishes in the area.

Mayor John Morgan said: "We looked at the points where the river had breached its banks before so we where to put the sandbags.

"The plan also showed up some flaws which we need to sort out but we are well on the way to establishing a plan that will work."

Mr Morgan added a number of people who were flooded out in July had taken no precautions against repeated flooding.

"That is not what the town council is here for," he added. "We are more than happy to help vulnerable people with sandbags but business and homeowners have a responsibility for their own property."