A Wiltshire MP has written to the flooding minister after homes and businesses were destroyed in Storm Bert on Monday (25 November).
Brian Mathew has invited Emma Hardy MP to visit after major flooding devastated the county – leaving locals to deal with the consequences ahead of the festive season.
He said that Melksham was “unprepared for such an event”, lacking flood defences because the town had never seen such an incident in the past.
In a letter shared on social media, the new MP wrote: “You may have seen last night’s BBC news report, much of which came from Bradford on Avon where water levels are higher than ever previously recorded.
“Several town centre businesses are flooded, some of them still recovering from being flooded earlier this year.
“In Melksham, both businesses and homes have been severely affected by the floods.
“Many areas that have never experienced flooding before are affected, and numerous businesses, unprepared for such an event, lacked flood defences they had never needed in the past.
“I spoke with business owners in both towns yesterday who told me how devastated and helpless they have felt as their livelihoods and homes were destroyed, especially so close to Christmas. They desperately need short term help and a long-term plan.
“Despite this, there has been a remarkable sense of community throughout the affected towns, with residents coming together to offer help to those who need it the most. It has been heartwarming to see such compassion during a crisis.
“As flooding minister please can you offer support as a matter of urgency to our communities, and I invite you to visit as soon as possible.”
