A pilot scheme led by an internationally recognised architect and supported by the Environment Agency and London General Assembly to tackle flooding is set to launch.

Purley Community Flood Plan has seen 20,000 leaflets printed offering practical advice on how to protect your property in the case of flooding, while six voluntary wardens are being trained to co-ordinate efforts in the case of a flood.

The scheme comes in the wake of heavy flooding in 2008.

Tarsem Flora, Purley and Woodcote Resident’s Association chairman, is a top architect who will lead the flood forum.

He said: "This has come from 18 months work after the GLA announced they wanted to launch pilot flood schemes. Our motto is to be prepared for the flood before the incident strikes. In terms of actually tackling some of the issues that cause flooding, that could take 15 or 16 years."

He blamed the culvert for the River Bourne, which runs through the town, run-off from surrounding hills, blocked drains, run-off from the railway embankments and burst water mains.

The scheme will be officially launched at Christ Church, Brighton Road, Purley at 7pm on Wednesday March 28.

A spokesman for the Mayor of London said: "The Greater London Authority received money from Defra to look at where flooding from heavy rainfall could affect people and property and to work with the boroughs and the Environment Agency to manage the risks in these areas.

"Part of this includes working with local communities who have experienced flooding to help them become more resilient to any future flooding.

"Purley was nominated by Croydon Borough Council as one of the pilot projects."