PARISH councils in Rother and Wealden have been told that they have a "vital role to play" when disasters strike such as floods and storms.

At a Wealden District Council emergency planning seminar in Uckfield, councillors and community members from more than 50 parishes heard first hand accounts of how other areas dealt with the July 2007 floods.

East Sussex County councillor Peter Jones said: "There is a great responsibility placed on parish councils when it comes to emergency planning."

He added: "The plans that you put in place could really save someone's life."

The conference, held at the East Sussex National Golf Club, included an appearance from Sarah Davies, a public weather service advisor from the MET Office.

She said that severe weather is not unusual, and highlighted that more extreme weather events could be experienced in future due to climate change.

Mrs Davies said: "By the 2080s we could see three times the number of heavy winter rainfall days and these are likely to be more intense due to the warmer air carrying more water."

The conference was suitably located following Uckfield's battle with flooding in 2007.

Representing residents from Gloucester, Barton and Tredworth, Mahmoud Patel said the knowledge and skills of local people were crucial in ensuring the safety of residents the area was badly affected by floodwaters.

Cllr Claire Dowling, Wealden cabinet member with responsibility for emergency planning, said: "The role of parish and town representatives, particularly in a rural community, is vital."

She added: "They have the local knowledge to help the emergency services. If transport links become disrupted, it will be their responsibility to co-ordinate a response until help arrives. That is why emergency planning is essential."

Piers Allison of Bucklebury in Berkshire spoke of his experiences in the July floods, he said: "The community realised that they could work together to overcome problems. Other communities affected by the floods pointed fingers at the authorities. We have chosen to be pro-active and co-operative with the authorities and agencies, and this has brought great results."