A Newport volunteer’s swift actions during Storm Bert prevented flooding in local homes, earning him community praise and recognition.
Newport: A wildlife volunteer named Ben Edmunds really stepped up during Storm Bert. He’s the chairman of Angling Watch UK and has been caring for Lliswerry Ponds for about four years.
When the storm hit, Ben noticed the pond was filling up fast. He knew if he didn’t act quickly, homes nearby could be in serious trouble.
So, he jumped into action. He reached out to local councillors to let them know how critical the situation was. They quickly started checking the water levels in the area.
Within half an hour, they figured out the flood risk. Ben then made sure the pond released as little water as possible to prevent flooding in the neighborhood.
Residents on Thompson Avenue were super grateful for his efforts. Ben said he felt like he was on a mission, checking the reens and slowing down the water flow.
He used a steel plate to control the water, which really helped. If he hadn’t done that, the water would have rushed out and flooded the area.
Councillors acknowledged his hard work, saying it could have led to major issues. One even mentioned that Ben and his team deserved recognition for their efforts.
The incident happened on Sunday, November 24th, around 10:00 AM. Councillor Sterry praised Ben in a Facebook group, thanking him for keeping Lliswerry safe from flooding.
He highlighted the importance of keeping the reens clear to prevent blockages that could lead to flooding. The community’s response was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing their gratitude online.
People were quick to thank Ben and the councillors for their fantastic work during the storm. It’s clear that teamwork made a big difference that day.