Lambourn Junction has established a Crisis Response Planning Group to help our community prepare for emergencies and support one another when everyday life is disrupted. Responding to the Government’s call for everyone to be better prepared, we are bringing local people together to turn that advice into practical action: a plan for the community, shaped by the community.
We want to harness the tremendous community spirit that makes Lambourn special. During Covid, residents stepped forward to help neighbours, deliver essentials and keep people connected. By planning ahead, we can build on that generosity and willingness to help.
The scenarios we are considering include prolonged power cuts, flooding, storms, snow and severe cold, disruption to water or food supplies, blocked roads, and failures of telephone or internet services. We will also consider how widespread illness or extreme heat could affect residents, businesses and essential services.
We have already received questions and suggestion from a number of residents including:
- If there is a prolonged power cut my heating will not work – what can I do? Is there somewhere to go?
- I have an oxygen machine at home to help me when I am breathless – what can I do in a power cut which is longer than a day?
- Will the chemist still be able to dispense medicines in a long power cut?
- Will the shops stay open in a power cut?
- Jim Bracey used to clear the roads when it snowed – who will do that now?
Read the full list of questions and submit more and suggestions HERE
Working with Lambourn Parish Council, West Berkshire Council and Communities Prepared, we aim to develop a practical plan shaped by local people. Priorities include supporting neighbours who may need extra help, sharing reliable information and maintaining access to essentials.
We will build on the existing Lambourn Volunteers WhatsApp group, encouraging residents to offer their time, skills, equipment and resources. Local businesses, farms, racing yards and community organisations will also have a part to play.
We will be inviting residents to a meeting to listen to concerns, ideas and suggestions. Together, we will identify what is available, where gaps remain and which arrangements we can put in place, test and improve.
Our role will complement the work of councils and emergency services. Hopefully, we will never need to activate the plan, but if we do, Lambourn will be better prepared.
If you would like to join the group or have questions or suggestions please let our Community Organiser, Hayley Warrick know on 01488 505050 or by emailing hayley.warrick@lambournjunction.uk