REPAIR work was this week nearing its end on a number of storm-damaged elderly persons bungalows in Wellington.

The Somerset Council-owned properties in Bovet Street were flooded during ‘Biblical’ rainfall last September when a number of the vulnerable tenants had to be evacuated.

More than a month’s worth of rain fell on Wellington and its surrounding villages in less than 24 hours, which meteorologists said was the heaviest downpour since July, 1969.

The storm left many of the bungalows in Bovet Street and neighbouring George Street ankle-deep in water and suffering damage to their roofs, resulting in several tenants being temporarily re-homed for their safety.

All of the displaced tenants were later either able to return to their homes or, at their request, were found alternative properties.

Council contractors have recently been working to replace the roofs of the damaged bungalows and others in the street and to fit improved roofing drainage and repair other flood damage.

A council spokesperson said: “Drains have been repaired and trees and other plants that have caused, or could have caused, obstructions have been removed.

“Our surveyors assessed the roofs and found replacement was required.

“As part of this work we will be ensuring the rainwater from the roofs is able to be drained sufficiently during periods of heavy stormwater.

“The roofs in question were near their end of life and replacement was the most cost-effective option.”

The council refused to reveal to the Wellington Weekly how much the repairs programme was costing it.