CHARD residents and businesses are beginning to pick up the pieces following severe flooding over the weekend.

The town suffered heavily at the hands of Storm Herminia and associated downpours, with numerous roads in and out of the town and the neighbouring villages being rendered impassible to motorists.

Numerous local businesses were also hit hard, with the town’s Sainsbury’s supermarket remaining closed as of Monday morning (January 27) after being badly flooded the day before.

With the rains beginning to ease off, the town is beginning slowly to return to normal service – though numerous local roads remain out of action.

As the flooding intensified, the Guildhall in the town centre was opened as a place of refuge for those affected and the coordination of relief efforts by the town’s numerous volunteers, who were out in force attempting to clear drains and gullies.

Domino’s Pizza played their part by providing free food to the volunteers as the day wore on, earning the praise of local councillor Andy Webb who commented: “The generosity of Chard excels again.”

The aftermath of flooding on the A30 in Chard town centre
The aftermath of flooding on the A30 in Chard town centre ((Photo: Daniel Mumby))

Councillor Jason Baker, who sits on both Chard Town Council and Somerset Council, posted his thanks on his official Facebook page in the early hours of Monday morning (January 27).

He said: “Today [January 26] has been a truly challenging day for many local residents who have been affected by the flooding.

“I have seen first-hand some of the damage that has been caused to homes and property, and my thoughts are with you.

“I have personally been out helping local residents while working with civil contingency to coordinate help here in Chard, as well as assisting with contacts for both Ilminster and Somerton who have also been badly affected.

“While I have witnessed some horrific scenes, I have also witnessed some amazing community spirit and acts of kindness which is what makes our community so special.

“We opened the Guildhall as a place of refuge and were so grateful to everyone that came and helped, donated food and blankets etc.

“Thank you to the officers, fellow councillors and volunteers who worked hard knocking on doors and checking people were safe throughout the evening and into the early hours.

“A big thank you to everyone who helped and supported us.”

Local MP Adam Dance has been doing his bit, delivering sandbags to residents and businesses in his home village of South Petherton.

Outside the Guildhall on the A30 Fore Street in Chard town centre
Outside the Guildhall on the A30 Fore Street in Chard town centre ((Photo: Daniel Mumby))

He said: “My sympathies are with everyone affected by the flooding – it’s an incredibly difficult time for so many.

“I know flooding is also causing problems in other parts of south Somerset, including Chard, and I’m in close contact with Somerset Council and Chard Town Council to ensure support is provided where it’s needed most.

“Well done to all the community for pulling together.”

As the clean-up effort begins, some parts of the town are returning to something resembling normality, with the A30 through the town centre being open along with the road past Barleymows out towards Honiton and the Blackdown Hills.

However, the A358 remains heavily flooded near Donyatt and Sea on the outskirts of Ilminster, making it challenging for motorists to reach the A303 or travel further north to Taunton.

Mud and debris outside Sarah Hodge hair salon in Chard town centre
Mud and debris outside Sarah Hodge hair salon in Chard town centre (Daniel Mumby)

Holyrood Academy, the town’s secondary school, is open but Year 9 pupils are unable to attend due to a shortage of teachers.

A spokesman said: “This is due to staff unable to get to school. Younger students and exam students have been prioritised.”

While many businesses within the town centre are open, the Sainsbury’s store on Bath Place remains closed until further notice following intense flooding, with the store’s loading dock being entirely underwater on Sunday afternoon (January 26).

Work is proceeding on the lengthy roadworks at the junction of Victoria Avenue and the A358 Furnham Road – work which will, in part, assist with future flood prevention in the Furzehill and Glynswood residential areas.

Somerset Council said it would be working on removing debris from affected roads and carrying out repairs where needed in the coming days.

A spokesman said: “There is debris and damage on roads across Somerset.

“Sweepers are already in Chard and our highways teams will be covering the county throughout today.

“Please bear with us, it’s been a busy night with a lot of affected roads.”