A PUB which was forced to close for more than 100 days after severe floods swept through the county last year has finally reopened.

Heavy rains in November led to ankle-deep water entering the pub and causing £500,000 damage to the Cross Keys in Norton Fitzwarren, which had to be completely renovated before finally welcoming customers back last Friday.

Manager Gary Davies said the building work, which included redecorating and fitting a new kitchen, bar and toilets, was covered by his insurance but added the businesses’ loss in takings were too huge to calculate.

He said: “It was pretty crushing because we had such a promising run-up to Christmas. “We were fully booked up by August but we had to refund all our Christmas parties.”

Now, the pub is up-and running again staff are looking forward and say the public’s reaction since reopening has been “fantastic.”

Gary said: “We had a countdown going outside the pub and on Twitter and we had lots of support from the local community.

“We were fully booked for Mother’s Day as well.”

  • Leaders from across Somerset will be in Taunton tomorrow (Friday) to discuss the impact of flooding on the county – and how it can be tackled.