'Significant' flooding shuts Swindon businesses

Wiltshire residents woke up to "frightening" floods following torrential rain across the weekend.

Flash floods across parts of Wiltshire and Somerset have forced businesses to close, leaving residents stranded.

Electricity at the Link Leisure Centre's rink in Swindon has been cut off for safety reasons, while water is pumped out.

The town's STEAM Museum has also been closed until further notice because of the flooding.

"Last night's torrential rain has caused significant flooding to Swindon's Link Centre," a spokesperson said.

"Flood water overwhelmed the plant room, cutting out the electricity supply to the entire building and there is also water ingress at ground floor level.

"Once the electricity supply has been made safe, they will then be able to begin pumping water from the building and at that point will be in a better position to assess the damage."

Roads have been closed and residents forced from their homes in Swindon, Royal Wootton Bassett, Pewsey and Ashton Keynes.

Funfair operator Gilbert Chadwick said he woke to heavy rain at 03.30 BST and went back to sleep, before later waking up again to see the "frightening" floods outside.

"I've never seen anything like it before. I'm 90 and I've seen a lot. I've never seen rain do this much damage," he said

"There was sand and bricks everywhere. The water had come up from the river."

He added his rides had not been affected and all staff were safe.

Rodbourne resident Carrie Woollatt said she woke up to a heavily flooded and wrecked living room at 02:00 BST.

She said lots of other people in her town had been affected.

The STEAM museum, dedicated to the history of the Great Western Railway, has also closed, although only certain parts of the site were affected.

The team expects to reopen the venue's Great Western Hall on Tuesday, in time for the Swindogs charity auction.

In a statement, the museum apologised for any "inconvenience caused" and told people who had purchased Monday tickets would get a refund.

Vi-tech electronics shop owner Steve Veitch, said all the businesses in his building in Swindon had been helping each other with the clear-up.

"The water lapped over my feet when I went in and it's damaged some stock," he said.

"Other units near me have had their ceilings fall through. So I've been quite lucky really.

"We have a community spirit here in BSS House and are trying to stay optimistic."

He estimated he might have to pay up to £4,000 to replace broken items.

Jaydee Dolphin in north Swindon said she is "devastated" her family home is "completely ruined".

"My mum called me in the morning crying for help, and I almost couldn't get my car through the water to get to her," she said.

"Everything has been damaged and the house smells of sewage.

"Money is tight due to the crisis, so mum has borrowed a few grand to cover broken appliances but she's really upset. It's been horrendous and stressful."

Wiltshire Council said crews were clearing fallen trees in Swindon and have also been sent to Pewsey.

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