A MAJOR clear-up operation is underway after Malmesbury was hit by the worst flooding in almost 25 years.

Storm Bert brought wind and rain to the region over the weekend and resulted in flooding in St John’s Street and Park Road on Sunday.

Householders say the flooding was the worst in 25 years.

The Sherston Avon at St John’s Weir reached a peak of 1.46 metres on Sunday evening - just two centimetres under the highest level recorded in November 2012.

The storm brought more than 80 per cent of November’s average rainfall in less than 48 hours.

Sunday’s Sherston Avon peak at St Johns Weir was 92cm higher than the top of the normal range.

At St John’s Court almshouses on the riverside, water breached floodgates and flood doors, with 18 to 24 inches of water entering homes and repair work looking unlikely before Christmas.

Nearby at Inner Silk Mill, a pump failed with fire crews called to prevent ground-floor householders from being flooded out.

Malmesbury Bowls And Social Club off St John’s Street was not so fortunate and saw its artificial surface destroyed, with Malmesbury Skate Park and Malmesbury Victoria FC’s clubhouse also badly affected.

Builders merchants Huws Gray in Park Road was shut because of flooding on Monday as were Malmesbury Primary School and St Joseph’s Primary.

Mayor Phil Exton was called out to assist at St John’s Court as a member of the Warden and Freemen of Malmesbury around 2.20pm on Sunday.

“All the properties in this area got flooded despite the fact that they have flood doors and floodgates - unfortunately, the water comes up through the floor,” he said.

“We’re now mopping out, hoovering out with wet vacuums and getting humidifiers in to start the process of drying out.

“We are looking at the present moment at trying to find somewhere for these householders to go, although there are a couple who are happy to stay and try and muddle through as best they can.

“Of course, there’s obviously also the Park Road area.

“There have been a couple of housing applications here.

“Wiltshire Council decided not to use flooding as part of its reasoning for not having the developments.

“Unfortunately, both these developments have gone through the planning process and are now going to be built.”

Town councillor Kim Power lives in Park Close near Park Road.

She said: “As a resident of nearly 25 years of Park Close, this is the worst I’ve seen the flooding.

“It seems so unwise to build housing at the side of Park Road when it floods so badly.”

Councillor Nick Holder, cabinet member for highways and flooding at Wiltshire Council, said: “We were sorry to hear about the flooding experienced by residents in Malmesbury town centre.

“The recent severe weather caused by Storm Bert, with rising river levels and high groundwater, has impacted many communities across the county, including in Chippenham, Trowbridge, Malmesbury and Melksham.

“Our teams have been working tirelessly over the weekend to respond to the situation.

“This includes clearing debris, grips and gully grates and deploying gully tankers to empty gullies in affected areas.

“While river levels in the area have now peaked and water levels are beginning to recede, we remain vigilant and will continue to monitor the situation closely.

“We understand how distressing flooding can be for residents and are committed to doing all we can to support affected communities.”