Sutton Council has scooped a prestigious award for helping to protect residents from the threat of flooding in the future through its innovative work in fighting the effects of extreme weather.

The borough’s planners joined a team of 14 groups across Europe to form the GRaBS (Green and Blue Spaces in Urban Areas and Eco-towns) project which swapped the latest thinking – and Hackbridge was chosen as the area to pilot ideas in a real-life setting.

Sutton Council worked closely with local communities to involve residents in creating healthier, safer and more pleasant living spaces and the RegioStars Award, presented in Brussels on June 14, recognised that work.

Jill Whitehead, Chair of the Environment and Neighbourhood Committee, said: “This award is a tribute to the excellent work of our researchers.

“In the long term it will help Sutton’s householders as it will really assist in the fight against the effects of extreme weather.”

Extreme weather, which increases the risk of flooding, drought and heatwaves, is a particular concern in Sutton as up to 35,000 of the borough’s dwellings are at risk of flooding in a heavy storm.

Practical moves that have come from the project include developers being encouraged to include roof gardens, expanses of water and trees in their projects as they help to cool cities and fight the negative impact of warming.