A MARKET town is looking for a hero to leap into action when disaster strikes.

Bromyard wants to learn from its mistakes by appointing an emergency coordinator.

Councillors say the town was badly prepared when flooding struck the Linton Park area in summer 2007.

The first crews arrived from Leominster and lacked local knowledge, while a supply of blankets was sent to Hereford.

Herefordshire Council and HALC (Herefordshire Association of Local Parishes) have advised Bromyard Town Council to appoint a co-ordinator and a deputy to identify local risks to the emergency services.

But the council wants to go further, and may call on residents to form an action group to prepare for the worst.

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

“Ropes, steps, ladders – they have to have things like that. You cannot just rely on two people, you need a group.”

Councillor Gill Churchill used as an example Kington Town Council, which used a grant to buy emergency supplies.

She also suggested keeping a stock of blankets in the public hall, and making a list of residents who can provide emergency accommodation and supplies.

New mayor, Councillor Jamie Jacobsen, has provisionally accepted the role of emergency co-ordinator, but the council would like to hear from residents willing to help. For details, contact 01885 482825.