HEAVY rain has produced flooding in many areas on the outskirts of Wellington, writes Barry Knott.

Trouble began last Thursday afternoon when the heavens opened, causing flooding to minor roads in the area.

Water poured off fields already saturated by weeks of rain, turning roads into raging rivers.

More storms on Friday and the weekend made roads impassable – and some drivers had to abandon their vehicles.

Among the villages hit were Hemyock, West Buckland and Bradford-on-Tone, and staff at care homes in the area found themselves having to walk to work - some over fields.

Monument Road, which leads to Hemyock, became impassable on Thursday afternoon in just an hour and was eventually closed to traffic.

Willowbrook Nursery and Garden Centre stayed dry although water from a nearby stream, notorious for overflowing, lapped near the doors of the building.

Some of the trouble was due to blocked drains which could not cope with the deluge.

Former local councillor Janet Reeds has thanked all members of staff at Oaktree Court Care Home who braved the atrocious conditions to get to work.

She has also praised all care staff in Somerset who did exactly the same.

But she added: “Special consideration would be appreciated to keep drains free of leaves and debris in areas where staff need to reach the vulnerable in our society. Somerset County Council take note please!”