A SPELL of torrential rain over the weekend and a strong possibility that more is on its way is probably enough to bring memories of last year's flooding to the fore.

It was around a year ago that residents of some of the worst affected areas such as Park Street and parts of London Colney, watched powerless as water and sewage gushed into their homes.

Last year's extreme weather conditions took councils, environmental agencies and homeowners across the country by surprise, as Britain saw its highest levels of rainfall for several centuries.

The unpredictably of the heavens, however, means that no one is certain whether last year was a freak of nature or if this year's rainfall will follow suit.

The threat of residents being evacuated, the closure of roads and thousands of pounds worth of damage has kick-started into action a host of preventative measures and contingency plans.

St Albans District Council has been under pressure to take measures to protect residents and their homes against future flooding.

Councillor Robert Donald, environment portfolio holder, said: "Firstly we have made sure a number of sandbags are stored around the district in places where flooding occurred 12 months ago. We have also issued all the parish councils with a flow chart of what action can be taken if there is a flood.

"Of course, we don't know if the district will see a similar rainfall this year, but we want to be prepared."

One of the main problems for residents when their homes are flooded is that, depending on the cause of it, any one of a number of different agencies could be responsible for it, including agencies such as Thames Water, Three Valleys and the district council itself.

The flow chart should assist in ensuring the group responsible is identified and can then deal with the problem as quickly as possible, limiting the amount of damage done.

The Environment Agency is also continuing to limit damage caused by flooding, having launched its third annual Flood Awareness Campaign in the autumn.

Alongside its 24-hour Floodline on 0845 9881188 providing round the clock flood information, this year the public can also access information via its website on www.environment-agency.gov.uk/floodwarning.

The site is updated every 15 minutes so the public can keep an eye on conditions in their area.

Warnings are issued in three levels so it is possible to gauge the likelihood that flooding will occur.

The agency has also published a number of Floodline booklets that provide detailed information on how to make homes flood resistant, a directory of agencies and organisations which can help and how to clean up after flooding.

With these measures in place, it is hoped that if this year's weather patterns follow those of last, then at least we will be more prepared.