Last week the residents of Monmouth were faced with an emergency, for some a crisis, as their homes flooded, and our thoughts remain with them.

Help from the emergency services, volunteers from as far away as London, local businesses and people helped to stabilise the position as the waters receded. The emergency teams were very appreciative of the support they received from residents, as one Dwr Cymru employee said: “The reaction of the people of Monmouth has been fantastic and really helped the team”.

Some people were on the front line but out of sight. Two hidden groups that I would like to mention are firstly the MCC housing staff manning the Shirehall 24 hours a day helping displaced residents, who in their turn gave a standing ovation to the staff for their efforts. Secondly, people living next to the tankers delivering water, who good-naturedly tolerated the noise and diesel fumes. Thank you all.

We are now in the recovery phase, and offers of help are continuing to be received. Monmouth Male Voice Choir has offered a charity concert at St. Mary’s Priory Church, Monmouth Rotary are going to organise a street collection, both in a few weeks time. No doubt other offers will be made, and an emergency fund is being set up to distribute the monies received to flood victims. More news of the fund will be made available shortly.

Cllr Richard Roden (Mayor of Monmouth)