POLICE cadets from Kingsbridge have completed a three month project focusing on tackling flooding as a part of their Duke of Cornwall safety award.

The cadets gave a presentation to members of Kingsbridge Town Council and the flood resilience group at Quay House last Thursday. Representatives were shown a new emergency ‘grab bag’ designed by the cadets for residents who live within a flood zone.

The aim of the bag is to reduce the risk of residents taking valuable time trying to grab essential items before leaving a flooded property.

Police cadet manager Paul O’Dwyer said: ’Time is so important during an environmental emergency, as evidenced last week with the devastation left by Storm Desmond.

‘It took only 45 minutes for the water level to rise above door level, which proves that you don’t have much time to pack the essentials.’

The Duke of Cornwall safety project was setup in 2010, after the Devon and Cornwall coasts were battered by bad storms.

Kingsbridge police cadets began their training in September. Over the past three months, the cadets have worked with members of the Hope Cove lifeboat, Shelter Box and the town’s flood resilience group. The cadets also went out onto the streets to alert residents to flooding in October.

They are now fundraising to purchase as many emergency ‘grab bags’ as possible for residents of the South Hams potentially affected by flooding. Each bag cost £15 and they need a minimum of 50 for Kingsbridge town centre alone.

The cadets will receive a Duke of Cornwall safety award at a special service in the new year.

For further information, contact Paul O’Dwyer, cadet manager at Kingsbridge police station on 101 or email paul.o’[email protected].