A giant pair of Wellington boots will appear at the Neath Abbey Tesco on Thursday (September 9) from 10am to 4pm as part of Environment Agency Wales’ Flood Awareness Wales campaign.

Flood awareness Wales project director, Gareth O’Shea, said: “Climate change is having an impact on our weather patterns and flooding is likely to become more frequent.

“We need to raise people’s awareness of this increased risk so that they can be prepared. We’re hoping that our giant wellies will catch people’s attention and motivate them to check whether they are at risk.

“We want people to become aware that although flooding cannot be completely prevented there are things that they can do in advance to help reduce the devastating impact it can have on both people and communities.”

The Tesco store is one of 16 locations across Wales included in the Welly Boot Tour, which is part of a wider flood awareness raising campaign.

Flood Awareness officers will advise residents about the risk to their area and give information and tips on how to protect their properties.

“The Welly Boot tour is visiting places which we know to be easily accessible for people, to help our messages reach as many as possible,” said Mr O’Shea.

“We’re also visiting nearby communities where the risk of flooding is high but where awareness may be low.

Our flood awareness officers have already been out in force in the nearby communities of Cwmtwrch, Ystalyfera and Glynneath and are currently targeting Glyncorrwg, helping people in each area to understand and manage the risk they face.

“In these areas combined, over 1500 properties are at risk of flooding. The message is simple: don’t be the only one who isn’t prepared.”

For tour dates go to the following link: www.environment-agency.gov.uk/floodwales and to find out if your property is at risk of flooding call Floodline on 0845 988 1188.

For flood awareness advice visit www.environment-agency.gov.uk/floodwales

David Gibbs

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