CIVIC leaders are drawing up an emergency evacuation plan so residents know what to do if Lydney is hit by a Boscastle-disaster.

The town has been identified as having similar characteristics to the Cornish fishing village, which was devastated by floods in August 2004.

Experts from the Environment Agency have carried out computer modelling exercises to see what will happen to Lydney if the Forest suffers the same kind of heavy localised rainfall.

And they have produced a series of maps which show 25 properties in the middle of town – believed to be shops and businesses – are in danger of being overwhelmed if the water rushes down the valley and the River Lyd rises rapidly over the defences. Originally, it was highlighted as a 'very high risk rapid response catchment area' because of the likelihood of flooding and the number of people living there. But the risk was downgraded to medium after modelling showed that only 25 properties or so would be under water if Lydney was hit by a 1:200 year flash flooding event.

"We looked at the topography and because it is a river valley with certain depths and grades, it fitted the bill as a rapid response catchment area such as Boscastle," explained an EA official.

"There are hundreds of these across the country but because of the high number of receptors (properties potentially at risk) Lydney was originally considered to be very high risk.

"After modelling it against a Boscastle-type scenario, it has now moved down to medium risk."

Agency staff say there are around 200 at risk areas across the country, but it is impossible to predict which ones will be hit by the kind of rare, freak flood conditions that hit Boscastle.

Town councillor David Cooksley, pictured, has been charged with drawing up an emergency plan to deal with any potential disaster.

He is expected to call a public meeting before Christmas.

"Obviously when you are developing an emergency strategy you consider all potential emergencies, including fire, flood and biohazards," he said.

"Any potential for additional flooding because of Lydney's terrain will be given due consideration.

"There's not too much you can do to stem the forces of nature but you can try to limit the impact and the aftermath and see if there is something that can be done to alleviate any catastrophe."

Special maps drawn up to show the impact of various flooding scenarios from the Lyd and the Severn will be available to the town council.

Floods caused devastation in Boscastle on August 16 2004, when residents were rescued from rooftops.