People living in Stepaside are set to benefit from a new free flood warning service, as part of Environment Agency Wales' Floodline Warnings Direct service.

The service, which will be available to properties at flood risk in the village, will launch on Wednesday, October 26.

Residents at risk of flooding will be able to register to receive advance warning of flooding direct to their phone, or by text, email or pager.

Phil Pickersgill, Environment Agency Wales, said: "Stepaside has a history of flooding, but difficulties in forecasting and the speed at which the rivers in this location react, has meant it is difficult to predict far enough in advance when flooding was likely to happen.

"However, advances in technology have improved our ability to issue warnings automatically. This means that we will be able to issue warnings in a timely manner for very fast reacting rivers like those in Stepaside.

"I would urge everybody to check whether their property is at risk of flooding by calling Floodline on 0845 988 1188 or visiting our website. Those people who are identified as living within the flood risk area are encouraged to take advantage of this new service."

Over the next few weeks, people living in the area can also expect to receive a visit from the agency's flood awareness officers.

As part of the Flood Awareness Wales campaign, flood awareness officers provide advice about flood risk and encourage local people to prepare for flooding by completing personal flood plans and preparing flood kits for use in emergencies.

Flood Awareness Wales can help you find out if your home or business is at risk and provide advice on what you can do to prepare for this, to reduce the impact of flood water on your property and ensure your own personal safety in a flood.

In addition to helping people prepare for flooding as individuals, Flood Awareness Wales is also helping communities as a whole to prepare, by helping to develop community flood plans and establishing flood warden schemes.

To find out if your property is at risk of flooding, or to register to receive flood warnings please visit http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/floodwales">www.environment-agency.gov.uk/floodwales or call Floodline on 0845 988 1188.