PLANS to cope during an emergency have been drawn up by Milverton Parish Council.

The document outlines what action should be taken during localised crises in the village and surrounding area most likely to be caused by extreme weather.

It looks in particular at how to deal with the loss of road communications or services such as electricity or water for a period.

A spokesman for the council, which spent 18 months drawing up the plan, said: "In order that our community can pull together and help anyone affected, the parish council has drawn up a plan based on a template provided by the Emergency Planning Unit in Somerset County Council.

"This has been filled in as far as possible with contact details and locations of response centres and shelters etc."

The council now wants to publicise the plan across the parish so that everyone knows local help is available and how they can access it.

A public meeting is being held in the Victoria Rooms on Tuesday, November 7, at 7pm.

The spokesman added: "As well as publicising the plan, the council is keen to find volunteers to directly assist in an emergency and also as coordinators in the more rural parts of the parish."