AN emergency plan for flood-hit Haydon Wick will deal with issues from further flood misery, or even a terrorist attack on Swindon.

The plan has been produced by Haydon Wick Parish Council and is the first of its kind in Swindon.

Councillors behind the scheme have said that although last summer's flooding caused widespread misery it could have been much worse.

Fears of what could happen if floods occurred in the winter or the middle of the night were the inspiration behind the plan.

Richard Hailstone, chairman of the parish council, said: "We are proud of what we have managed to achieve in such a short time.

"We have put together a small action team of volunteers, we have identified pinch points around the area, which would potentially present problems, and have set up a self help group of residents who can be forewarned of any impending weather events.

"We have also tested our reaction to various disaster scenarios with Swindon Council's emergency planning officer, Sam Weller, who was very complimentary of our achievements so far.

"Let's hope we don't have to put our new skills to the test that often."

Peter Hall was one of the parish councillors behind the scheme.

He said: "Before July 22 last year there was no group in place to call the local schools or get groups together to help others.

"We also didn't have anything to hand that would tell us if, for example, there was an old people's home near a brook, or if one area was particularly at risk.

"After the floods, of course, we had much better knowledge but it was still felt that we needed to look closely at it. This is a multi-use plan.

He added: "Unfortunately we have to take into account things like a terrorist attack or even, god forbid, a Hercules crashing out of the sky."

Councillor Rex Barnett said that the parish was now much better equipped to deal with a disaster.

He said: "It's about getting information out to people as quickly as possible and knowing where to send them if they have to be evacuated.

"I think it's a really good idea to sit down and talk about these things. It has had a good response in the local community. Hopefully it will help make people feel safer."

Jason Scott, of Chatsworth Road, said it was good to see the parish council taking action but said community spirit in Haydon Wick was already doing the job for them.

He said: "During the downpour the other week I got calls from neighbours while I was at work.

"Afterwards I asked Rex whether that was to do with the emergency plan but apparently it was just everyone acting on their own.

"Going through an experience like that does create a bond between neighbours."