Crowdfunder doubles its target after skatepark flooded in Storm Bert
The team behind the Lodge Skatepark have thanked everyone for their support
Last updated 26th Nov 2024
More than £2,000 has now been raised for a Devon skatepark after it was flooded in Storm Bert.
The Lodge Skatepark in Newton Abbot have also thanked all the volunteers who've come to help with the clean up - after doubling their initial £1,000 target.
The team behind it say: "We’ve dealt with minor flooding before but this is the worst its been in ten years."
In a post online they added: "Thanks to our amazing local heroes — residents, businesses, and our skatepark family, we’ve rolled up our sleeves and cleared out tons of water and debris from the park and café area. We’re not out of the woods yet — the building and skatepark still need some time to dry off."
Across Devon there's still problems on the trains after the flooding, with GWR warning it's affecting journeys from Exeter St David's, Crediton, Okehampton and Barnstaple - as well as further afield on the network.
On the roads up to 30 teams including highways emergency response crews, tree surgeons and other specialists, worked flat out to respond to issues over the weekend - after getting around 600 calls.
Councillor Stuart Hughes, our Cabinet Member for Highway Management, said: “Storm Bert has left a trail of devastation this weekend, with a huge number of flooded roads, landslides and more trees down across the county.
“I want to thank our dedicated teams and contractors who have been extremely busy working in hazardous conditions dealing with as many of these as possible.
“They are still working on clean-up operations today, but I’m pleased to say that most of the main road network is moving, although there are still many smaller issues that need to be resolved.”
At various points flooding was reported on the A377, A383, A379, A381, A3052, A3072, A382, A3124, A386, A361, A384, A388 and the A375 with trees reported down on A358, A386, A390, A379, A385, A381, A3122, A376, A377, A3072, A382, A396, A361, A39 and the A3052
What's the situation across the region?
Up and down the West Country, the impact of major flooding continues to be felt - as the clean up continues in communities still hit with an 'Act Now' alert, imposed by the Environment Agency.
All 3 secondary schools in Chippenham are closed, and last night, the local council confirmed the Town Hall, Chippenham Museum, Neeld Community & Arts Centre and Stanley Park Sports Ground are also inaccessible remain shut today.
Chippenham is one of the worst affected regions - with drone footage shared by local police sharing the extent of the damage, as we know many properties remain underwater.
Over in Somerset, we know the council were called to more than 600 incidents on the roads.
Some roads remain closed as a result of being blocked by trees or residual flooding and there's still problems on GWR train network.
GWR are urging passengers to check your journey before you travel.
Further heavy rain is forecast and customers are advised to complete your journey by 19:00 today (26 November).
Sharing their update on social media, the council said they've been 'pulling out all the stops' to make sure things return to normal.
Councillor Richard Wilkins, Somerset Council’s Lead Member for Transport and Waste, said: "This has been a challenging few days for our teams on the ground with hundreds of incidents to deal with – they’ve been out around the clock throughout the weekend and today and we’re incredibly grateful for their efforts.
"There are a number of road closures remaining in place and there may well be smaller roads across the county which are flooded or which are blocked by fallen trees. Please don’t attempt to navigate flooded roads. If it’s safe to do so and you’re able to, please report any issues you come across and our teams will deal with them as quickly as possible.
"We’re aware the impact on Yeovil in particular has been significant today with both the A3088 and A37 affected, we are grateful to the local community and road users across Somerset for their patience and support."
Kier General Manager Allan Rigby said: "Our teams have been working really hard during the second named storm of the season alongside Somerset Council colleagues. Whilst it has been challenging our teams have pulled out all the stops, working through the night, to ensure that the network continues to run."
Wiltshire's Longleat Wildlife Park is back open after a weekend of destruction.
Visitors who missed out on seeing the Festival of Lights at Longleat over the weekend are getting another chance.
Wiltshire's safari park had to be closed on Saturday and Sunday following the effects of Storm Bert.
Those who'd booked twilight tickets, for just the evening, are being offered replacement tickets on another day.
That's despite those slots having previously been fully booked.
Read more here: Longleat reopens, as the recovery effort continues after Storm Bert
The Environment Secretary has confirmed that flooding is "likely" this week after Storm Bert brought torrential rain over the weekend.
Steve Reed said its impacts "should be less severe" than they were on Sunday and Monday morning.
Hundreds of homes across the country were left under water, roads were turned into rivers and winds of more than 80mph were recorded across parts of the UK.
Residents in some affected areas have said they do not believe the chaos will by cleared by Christmas.
Mr Reed told the Commons on Monday evening that an estimated 107 properties have flooded across England.
He added: "Further flooding is sadly likely over the next few days as water levels rise in slower flowing rivers such as the Severn and the Ouse.
"The Environment Agency anticipates that any impacts should be less severe than we have seen in recent days."