THE Environment Agency is currently recruiting new members for the English Severn and Wye regional flood and coastal committee.

Committee members will help shape local flood and coastal management plans and influence the future of the environment.

Applicants do not need to be technical experts in flood and coastal risk management, but some technical understanding in areas such as surface water flooding, finance, engineering and maintenance, natural approaches to flood risk management, communications or experience of local community flood forums would be beneficial.

The Environment Agency is particularly interested to hear from people who could effectively represent agriculture, farming and land management or conservation and wider environmental issues.

Professor John Moverley, a current committee member, said: “Being a member of the committee is a very important role and a way in which people can make a direct contribution to the important task of flood protection.

“There is a very strong group on the English Severn and Wye committee and a particular focus on community engagement - ensuring all approaches are evaluated to provide the most effective and efficient approaches.

“It can be challenging role but it is also very satisfying."

The unpaid committee posts will be appointed for terms of between two and four years and any expenses relating to the post will be paid.

Appointed members will be expected to attend the four or five committee meetings each year and commit approximately half a day a month.

More information and details about how to apply can be found online or by calling Lucy Evans on 01743 283469.

The closing date is Tuesday, May 5.