WATER swept into homes and businesses in Ilminster after sudden heavy rainfall caused flooding in the town.

Emergency services and the environment agency rushed to Ditton Street yesterday (July 23) after calls from the public reporting flood water both in the street and inside their properties.

The flash floods blocked the road outside the Ditton Street petrol station for a stretch of approximately 60 metres.

Eddie Donnelly is the owner of E&S Computers, one of the businesses worst hit by the flash flood.

He said: “We first found out when we were contacted on Facebook and by phone calls and all that.

“By the time I got here, the fire brigade was already here.

“We have had to rip up the carpet and it has got into the serving area. I have still got to assess the full damage. I might have taken out my main server.

“There is stuff here that needs to get done so I have had to cancel all my appointments today. It is a case of trying to get things done here first. I have lost business that way.

"It has been a slight hindrance, but business will be running as normal. Customers' stuff has all been kept completely safe and people can still come in and see us if they need to."

Chard & Ilminster News:

This isn’t the first time Mr Donnelly has seen rainwater get inside his shop since he moved into the premises in November 2012.

He added: “I got flooded out 12 days after opening, but that was after 24 hours of constant rain. This was 10 minutes of downpour and that was it.

“The so-called floodproof front door hasn’t worked. It is just so daunting.”

Chard & Ilminster News:

An Environment Agency spokesman said: “We are investigating reports of flooding in Ilminster which may be a result of sudden, heavy rainfall.

“We urge people not to drive through floodwater - it is often deeper than it looks and just 30cm of flowing water is enough to float your car and cause an accident.

"Driving through floodwater can also create waves which enter nearby properties. People should check their flood risk and keep up to date with the latest situation at www.gov.uk/check-if-youre-at-risk-of-flooding.

Chard & Ilminster News:

"A field team has been to Ditton Street, which had been reported as flooded, but all the surface water has already drained. Same applies for surrounding area. Some debris left on road in places, though.

"We urge people to be flood aware, especially during intense periods of rainfall, have a flood plan, and avoid driving in those conditions. And be careful of any debris and damage caused after a flood. More help at https://www.gov.uk/prepare-for-flooding."

Chard & Ilminster News:

At around 7.30pm on Sunday, the spokesman added: "We have left site. Police and fire service were already on scene handling the situation."

A spokesman for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue service said: "The fire service received several calls for flooding in the Ilminster Area.

Chard & Ilminster News:

"The initial call received was reporting flood water entering the property from the road outside their property and then we received further calls for external and internal flooding.

"A fire appliance from Ilminster was mobilised and after further investigations the incident support unit with specialist equipment and a specialist officer were mobilised.

Chard & Ilminster News:

"Crews assisted with flooding involving approximately 60 metres of roadway and several properties.

"A light portable pump and a dry vac was used in water removal and assistance given to occupiers."

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