WILTSHIRE Council is calling on town and parish councils to help document the true impact of Storm Chandra, as efforts begin to secure future flood-prevention funding.

The appeal, shared locally by Downton Parish Council, asks communities hit by the severe weather to submit detailed evidence of flooding, disruption and near misses caused by the storm.

Council officers say information gathered will be crucial in securing priority status for affected areas and could support future funding bids to DEFRA to help prevent similar problems in the future.

Parish and town councils are being asked to report any properties or businesses that were affected by flooding, including cases of internal flooding as well as near misses.

Wiltshire Council is seeking as much detail as possible, including dates and times of flooding, photographs and video footage and maps showing where and when flooding occurred.

Additional information being requested includes whether pumping was required to protect properties, whether sewage systems or septic tanks were affected and if flood wardens used Personal Emergency Equipment supplies.

Councils are also asked to note if residents deployed their own flood defences such as flood gates or sandbags.

Road flooding is another key focus, with reports requested on major issues, roads that became impassable and the wider impact on local travel.

Wiltshire Council has stressed that any data provided will not be shared with outside agencies other than the Environment Agency.

Local councils and community representatives are encouraged to submit any relevant evidence by emailing drainage@wiltshire.gov.uk