WELLINGTON resident whose cottages have flooded in recent years have spoken of the “huge knock on effects” it has had on their livelihoods.

Homeowners have spoken to the Wellington Weekly News about their experiences and fears for the future in response to a recent flood report published by Somerset Council.

Rockwell Green residents Martine Jaquemet, Rachel Ellins and Sandra James are among just three of the victims of severe flooding in September 2023, which left their properties in disrepair.

All three live in Ditchford Cottages, one of the areas most heavily affected by the flooding two years ago, as well as in 2012, when ‘black water’ – water that is contaminated by harmful substances including sewage - entered their homes, damaging the ground floor of all seven properties.

Sandra James said: “If you haven’t been ejected from your home because of flooding you just don’t know what it’s like.

“It’s actually ruining people’s lives.”

Martine Jaquemet, who lives beside the Standall River, which runs perpendicular to Hilly Head Road, said a foot of water entered her home and her garden was submerged by three feet of water. Rachel Ellins’ home saw 18 inches of water covered the ground floor.

Residents have spoken to the Wellington Weekly News after they informed Wellington Town Council of their concerns at a recent meeting in the wake of increased housing targets which have been set for councils by the new Labour Government.

Both Rachel and Sandra were forced to relocate for nine and seven months, respectively, while their homes were repaired.

Almost all furniture, units and appliances had to be replaced and the electrics entirely rewired in each of the homes. Plug sockets have now been moved up the walls as a precautionary measure.

During periods of heavy rain, residents say they monitor water levels and move any valuables to high places. Several of the homes have flood gates in place 24/7.

Rachel said: “It’s been really difficult, and I can’t even imagine that this won’t happen again in the immediate future.

“One of the things that upset me most; all my grandchildren’s books were in a box that was caught in the floods and I had to throw about 50 books away.”

The trio have expressed strong discontent with a recent report published by Somerset Council which revealed the findings of an investigation into the cause of the 2023 flooding.

The report, which was published almost 18 months after the event, stated that comprehensive information on the incident “remains scarce” due to “underreporting and investigative challenges”.

Martine said: “We were all appalled and quite upset because we did everything we had to do.

“We just want some proper maintenance, at least once. There’s no point being reactive all the time, you need to be proactive.”

Rachel said she was disappointed that Ditchford Cottages weren’t formally recognised in the report.

She said: “We went to all the meetings, spoke to council representatives. We did what we were told to do and went to what we should have.”

Sandra said: “We want to be assured that as much to prevent flooding is done because we live in a damp area.

“Everyone’s insurance has doubled if not trebled. It’s not just a bit of water; it’ll have a huge knock-on effect for the next five-10 years.”