2.-Chard-Area-Resilience-Group-Notes-start-up-meeting-1-15th-Feb-22

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CHARD TOWN COUNCIL
Meeting to discuss key administration required for forming a Chard resilience
group
Tuesday 15th February 2022 18.30

Summary points raised at the above meeting. To be read in conjunction with
amended Draft ToR document, see ToR V2 - link to website:
The following people were in attendance:
Facilitating:
Cllr Jason Baker, Mayor of Chard.
Supporting:
Chard Town Council Officers: Paul Russell Town Clerk, Beverley Newman DSO.
Somerset Rivers Authority, Community Engagement Officer, Emma Giffard
Participating Residents:
A total of 28 residents from Chard, Wambrook & Cotley areas.
1.

WELCOME, INTRODUCTION AND APOLOGIES
The Mayor welcomed and thanked all those present for attending, gave a
summary of the purpose for the meeting and invited everyone to introduce
themselves.
The Mayor confirmed his facilitation role would be available until the structure
of the Resilience group was confirmed. It is hoped this will be by the end of
the third pre-arranged start up meetings (March 8th). The Mayor confirmed
both his and the Chard Town Council Officer Teams’ ongoing support.

2.

Discussion of Draft ToR
Before the review and discussion on Draft ToR. The Mayor asked those
present if they wished to consider the name of the Group.
It was agreed given floods and other adverse weather conditions effect
neighboring villages / Parishes the group name will be The Chard Area
Resilience Group & that Area refers to: Chard, Wambrook, Cotley,
Chardstock & Tatworth & Forton
A full discussion was held on all points of the Draft ToR, amendments were
agreed, with the caveat that there may be some additional amendments
required as the group develops.

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3.

Additional comments & discussion points:
•

Given Emma’s experience and knowledge in supporting Resilience
groups the Mayor asked Emma for her initial opinion of the Draft ToR.
Emma stated she thought it was very comprehensive.
She then explained the report from the Section 19 review would form
part of any ‘strategic plan’ that the report was due for release at the
end of March. Emma further clarified a strategic plan was different from
a resilience plan and she would happy to share some existing draft
resilience plans. *AP

Ref:ToR V2 1. Main Purpose of the Resilience Group 1.3, 2. Objectives bullet 1, 2.
Objectives bullet 5

•

Emma went on to advise that Resilience Groups tended to fall into 2
types;
i)
Those that have a single function, provide help & support
in emergencies
ii)
Those that have dual function, support in an emergency
as well as having an ‘Action Group’ element. This action
element tended to be proactive in working with all
relevant agencies in partnership on prevention, and by
pressurizing key authorities at regional and national
levels.
o Some resident participants commented that their preference
was The Chard Area Resilience Group aspiration should include
both these functional elements.
o One resident participant gave the additional comment that The
Chard Resilience Group members need to be involved at the
beginning of developing the strategic plan. There is information
to add to the intelligence already gathered, for example it’s been
established that site maps are incorrect and in addition it is
known that storm water is the main problem. A holistic approach
is required.
o One resident participant commented that warnings are no help
when the floods are ‘apocalyptic’ as there is no warning of the
severity;
‘We have nothing tangible to know we’re in danger’
o One resident participant commented they had lived in Chard for
12 years with no effects of flooding till last year.

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o It was noted that in order to work in Partnership with the relevant
agencies the group would need to know who they were and be
mindful of both their powers and limitations of their role. Emma
said she would identify theses individuals for the group AP
•

One resident participant commented that they did not wish to sound
harsh but the meeting needed to stay on track in reviewing the ToR.
The Mayor thanked the resident participant for his comments and
expressed his agreement.

•

Discussion on training the availability and type of dependent on a
group member’s role / function. Emma confirmed this was available via
a number of routes and offered to provide the necessary information on
this. AP

Ref: 4. Operation, 4.1

•

Discussion on developing a road closure team. Agreement reached
this was not something that would be in the gift of The Chard Area
Resilience Group due to the legislation on this issue.
o Emma explained there was a ‘pilot jus starting in Martock that
involved new signage which she would share the progress with
this group.
o The question was asked – could any required road closure be
delegated to the Fire Authority.

Ref: 4. Operation, 4.3, bullet 3

•

It was noted that the creation of an emergency disaster plan would
require linking with Chard Town Council’s insurance.

Ref: 4. Operation, 4.3, bullet 4

•

It was acknowledged that a de-brief should be part of the process to
support volunteers after supporting in an emergency, both straight after
the event and at later stage/s. This was key to supporting volunteers’
mental well-being and sustaining their group membership.

Ref: 5. Volunteer Teams, 5.1, bullet 4

•

Discussion on the functionality of the Help Team responsivities. It was
decided to review this once The Chard Resilience Group was up and
running. However it was noted that there are grants available for kits
i.e. High Vis jackets etc. Emma offered to help in this AP

Ref: 5. Volunteer Teams, 5.2,

*AP = Acton Point
____________________________
MAYOR:

_____________________________
DATE:

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