A set of drone photographs taken today (Thursday) show the extent of the flooding in Melksham.
The River Avon burst its banks just days after Christmas and water levels have remained high – with flooded fields, roads and footpaths across West Wiltshire.
Whilst the Environment Agency’s flood warnings have been removed in recent days, flood alerts remain in place between Melksham and Bathford.
Aerial photographs, captured on Wiltshire 999s’ commercial drone, show the extent of the floods near Farmers Roundabout and the B3107 Bradford Road.
The Millennium Riverside Walk, which runs alongside the River Avon, is underwater between Sainsbury’s and Melksham Cemetery.
“River levels are rising at the Bradford on Avon river gauge due to recent rainfall. Consequently, the risk of flooding remains”, an Environment Agency spokesperson said.
The floodgate on the B3106 between Holt and Staverton has been closed – and water remains to block the road today, though flooding is less significant there.
The spokesperson added: “We are closely monitoring the situation. Our incident response staff are clearing weed screens.
“Please avoid using low lying footpaths near local watercourses and plan driving routes to avoid low lying roads near rivers which may be flooded.”
At the start of the week, roads through Lacock and Reybridge were closed by Wiltshire Council after flooding – with the area impassable for the majority of motorists.
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Environment Agency is advising residents in the area to sign up for flood warnings and have a bag ready with vital items like insurance documents and medications in case they need to leave their homes.
They also suggest that residents check they know how to turn off their gas, electricity and water mains supplies and plan how they’ll move family and pets to safety.
If a flood warning is issued, residents will need to act because flooding is expected imminently.
The Environment Agency advice locals to take the following steps:
- move vehicles to higher ground if it’s safe to do so
- move family and pets to safety
- move important items upstairs or to a safe place in your property, starting with cherished items and valuables, then furniture and furnishings
- turn off gas, electricity and water supplies if it’s safe to do so; never touch an electrical switch if you’re standing in water
- if you have property protection products such as flood barriers, or air brick covers, use them now
