Melksham businesses are still struggling with the aftermath of severe flooding caused by Storm Bert last year, with some only just reopening seven months after the disaster.
Prolonged heavy rainfall on 25th November caused the River Avon to break its banks, sending floodwater across Bath Road and into homes and businesses, including those at Avonside and the former Avon factory site.
Businesses including Wiltshire Framing, the MOT centre, Sanmax, Melksham Cycle Centre and The Cobblers’ Bench were among those damaged.
Due to the extent of the damage, Sanmax and Melksham Cycle Centre have only recently reopened, finally welcoming customers back seven months on.
Andy Marles, who owns Sanmax, an MOT garage and shop on Bath Road, said, “The shop was totally flooded at the front, but because I was here when the floods came in, I was able to move all my stock; I moved everything into the garage.
“The water in the shop came up to two and a half feet, damaging the floor. Some of the sockets went underwater too. My stock wasn’t damaged, only the building, but it has taken a while to repair due to various problems.”
Dave Martin, owner of Melksham Cycle Centre, described the damage and the past seven months as ‘horrific.’
“We were two and a half feet deep down here because we’re a lower shop,” he said. “Water ran straight through the whole place. It was disgusting—the walls all had to be repaired. We tried to open on 1st May but then BT let us down, so we eventually reopened in mid-May.
“Lots of our stock was damaged. All the bikes were okay, but we had four customer e-bikes which were ruined, and they cost a fortune.”
Lack of council support
At the time of the flooding, business owners expressed frustration at the lack of council support.
Seven months on, they say they still haven’t been contacted or visited by anyone from Melksham Town Council, Wiltshire Council, or the Environment Agency.
“Throughout all of this, no one has ever approached us to offer support,” said Andy. “Another problem I have is that the day after the flood, when the water had subsided, a road sweeper went through the streets but passed right by our corner—even though the flooding stretched 150 yards past the Avon canteen.
“All the sewage, dust and rubbish that came out was just left. They’ve never swept the road, and now the drains keep blocking up. The road has never been swept.”
With extreme weather likely to persist, the business owners fear further flooding.
“We don’t have a carpeted floor anymore,” said Dave. “There’s nothing we can do—we’re completely surrounded by air bricks, so as soon as it rains heavily, water just comes in.
“My insurance renewal is due next month and I’m not looking forward to it. I don’t know what we can do. It’s one of those things—we can’t stop it.”
Melksham News has contacted Melksham Town Council for a statement about support for affected businesses, but the authority has yet to respond.
Pictured: Bath Road shops under water last November
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