Storm Bert: shocked residents in Chippenham begin flood recovery
The Wiltshire town is one of the worst affected by the flooding - following Storm Bert over the weekend
In Chippenham, and in towns across the West Country, clean-up efforts are now well underway as water begins to recede after days of devastating flooding.
Rivers swelled to levels some locals tell us have been seen since the 1960s, whilst others have been telling us of just how sudden the barrage of water came.
Hundreds of homes in Wiltshire and across the country were left flooded and roads turned into rivers - because of the severe weather conditions.
All three 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 will remain inaccessible today.
The Met Office is claiming that it is "committed to learning the lessons" from Storm Bert.
But forecasters also insist rainfall totals were in line with predictions - following criticism from some residents and ministers that "insufficient" warning was given.
We've been catching up with a number of local residents on their reaction to the shocking levels of floodwater in the town.
'We've lost trade - and stock'
Ian runs a shop right on the edge of the River Avon in Chippenham, and said: "I'm quite angry. Our store got a big hit - but we're lucky because we're on the first floor.
"A few council people have come round to me, but I asked them, well, where was the warning?
"Their response is that it's more for the Environment Agency - but nobody beforehand informed us that this could be a problem.
"If we'd had some warning, who knows what our response would have been - but now I hope there might be a little bit of help going forward, especially after losing trade, and certainly losing stock too."
'There's never been anything like this'
Natalia's a self-employed barber in the town, who told us: "I just couldn't believe it - I was just bewildered. I've never seen anything like this before in my life.
"It was shocking - and it just came out of nowhere.
"It floods sometimes, but there's never been anything like this.
"There's now so much to do - and we're hoping we can get back on our feet next week - after all, we're self-employed, so it's really gutting - but we just need to try our best now to stay positive.
"Everything's ruined, we've had to throw away so much stuff - and at the moment, looking at it, it's a bit of a disaster."
'The emergency response has been incredible'
Chippenham's Lib Dem MP rushed over from London on Monday - after hearing about the catastrophic impact of the flooding on local residents and businesses.
She told us: "There's absolutely no doubt that the essential services have been absolutely incredible. What I'm worried about though now is the secondary response.
"That follow-up seems to not have been as clear as it should have been, and I've been told by some people that they struggled to get in touch with the local authority when the initial flooding happened.
"In terms of the sense of scale, most people weren't impacted but there has been a concentrated group who were up to waist height in water yesterday.
"We have a real thriving business community here in Chippenham, which the town is famous for - but now they're really suffering.
"I've been mucking in - as the recovery effort continues - helping several residents find housing for the next few days, mopping out properties, and I've been to the Scouts hut who unfortunately were burgled last year - they've just got back on their feet, and have been completely and utterly flooded.
"Why I think this happened are two reasons.
"First of all, I'm going to speak to the Minister, because it's become clear that there's been chronic underfunding of the Environment Agency in the past years.
"Secondly we need to make sure people sign up to their emergency warnings - because they're a vital way of getting information to residents and businesses in times like this."
'I am so proud of the team'
Wiltshire's Longleat Wildlife Park is back open after a weekend of destruction - and luckily, bosses there say they're 'grateful' to their team, who put in back-breaking work to make sure the Festival of Light could get back up and running on Monday.
Scott, their Head of Operations, said: "I am so proud of the team at Longleat who have ensured we can open today after two days of being battered by Storm Bert.
I'm also grateful too for the understanding shown to us by guests, who were understandably disappointed but understood we had to put safety first."
'Outstanding work by the Environment Agency and emergency responders'
Secretary of State for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, Steve Reed said: "This morning I held a meeting with the Environment Agency and am receiving regular updates on the response to flooding in parts of the country.
"My sympathies are with all of those who have been impacted by Storm Bert.
"I want to express my heartfelt thanks for the outstanding work that the Environment Agency and emergency responders are doing to keep people safe.
"I urge people to check their flood risk, sign up for flood warnings and follow the latest guidance from emergency responders."
'Stay away from swollen rivers'
Katharine Smith, Flood Duty Manager at the Environment Agency, said: "Significant river flooding impacts are expected in parts of the Midlands and South West England today as rivers respond to heavy rainfall following Storm Bert. Localised flooding impacts are also possible more widely across England, which may continue in places until Wednesday due to further heavy rain.
"Environment Agency teams are out on the ground, taking action to reduce the impact of flooding and will support local authorities in their response.
"We urge people to stay away from swollen rivers and urge people not to drive through flood water as just 30cm of flowing water is enough to move your car.
"People should check their flood risk, sign up for free flood warnings and keep up to date with the latest situation at by searching 'check my flood risk', and follow @EnvAgency on X for the latest flood updates."
Read more: The clean-up continues across the West Country after Storm Bert