Once again, Chard found itself in the middle of a storm situation of significant proportions and continuing pessimistic weather forecasting. Whilst the impacts were similar to that of this time last year, I believe Chard has, again, been lucky. We maintain close contact with our colleagues in neighbouring parishes and it does seem locally that Ilminster was particularly badly hit, along with regulars in places such as Donyatt and Weycroft.  Adjoining counties were also badly hit, as I expect you are aware.  Here, the clean-up is on-going.

We still have spells of isolated showers predicted with a band of heavier rain coming through later this week and the weekend. The hills around Chard are so saturated that even a brief, heavy shower could create a significant volume of storm water run-off. Areas in the south and west of our town are extremely vulnerable at the present time.

There is a need to keep flood barriers, if you have them, in place for the foreseeable future.

Finally, I would like to thank our Operations Manager, Parks and Office Staff, Councillors, CARG and all volunteers for stepping up to assist the community.  Without their selfless actions it is very likely that many local premises would have had storm water inside.

David

David Bell

Chief Executive & Town Clerk

Chard Town Council