BROMYARD needs a hero to save them when disaster strikes - and the town's new mayor could fit the bill.

The market town wants to learn from its mistakes by appointing an emergency co-ordinator.

Councillors say the town was badly prepared when the Frome burst its banks in 2007. The first crews arrived from Leominster and lacked local knowledge, while a supply of blankets was sourced to Hereford.

Herefordshire Council have since asked BTC to appoint a co-ordinatior and deputy to identify local risks to the emergency services.

Coun Jamie Jacobsen has provisionally accepted the role, but BTC wants to go further, and may call on residents to form an action group.

“There should be a group of people who meet every month, where everybody knows each other,” said councillor Brian Johnston.

“Ropes, steps, ladders - they’ve got to have things like that. You cannot just rely on two people, you’ve got to have a group.”

Councillor Gill Churchill suggested keeping a stock of blankets in the public hall, and making a list of residents who can provide accommodation and supplies.

BTC would like to hear from residents willing to help. For details contact 01885 482825.