Gutters will be cleared in parts of Ilminster next week as an investigation into town flooding continues.

A number of homes and businesses were deluged by floodwater after heavy downpours at the end of July.

Somerset County Council invited residents to a drop-in event as part of the investigation and a full report into the cause of the flood will be published before Christmas.

Councillor John Woodman, Somerset County Council’s cabinet member for Highways, said: “We don’t yet know what caused this flooding. The situation is complex but we are taking the issue seriously and are working alongside our partners to investigate.

“However, in the meantime I’m pleased we’ve been able to arrange for additional gully cleansing to take place as a priority next week.

“I’d like to again thank everyone who took the time to come and talk to us about the flooding issues in Ilminster.”

Gutters will be cleared in a number of streets worst affected by the flooding, including North Street, Market Square, East Street, Silver Street, Ditton Street and Shudrick Lane. The work is part of a county-wide gully clearing programme.

Work is understood to be starting on Monday morning when cones will be placed in parking bays.

Residents are requested to ensure their cars are not parked in the road when work is planned.

Emergency services and the Environment Agency rushed to the Ditton Street area after calls from the public reporting flood water both in the street and inside their properties on Sunday, July 23.

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

Ilminster resident Jim Sainsbury monitored rainfall near the town centre. He said at the time: “Our weather sensor showed we had 25mm of rain in the hour, but the peak rate it fell at was 250mm per hour. It is just a good job it didn’t keep going.”

Businesses have recently reopened after thousands of pounds have been spent on repairs and a petition has also been signed calling on South Somerset District Council to clear the drains once a year – instead of once every four.

Mia Hewitt, branch manager for Retail Therapy, told Chard and Ilminster news recently:  “It is a big disruption and you just worry about the next flood every time it rains – we are feeling unnerved.”