Pubs suffer in flood devastation

Pubs across the country have been devastated by the worst natural disaster to hit Britain in 60 years.

The flooding crisis ripped through Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire and Worcestershire this week leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.

It comes as the clean-up operation in Sheffield, Hull and Rotherham has just begun.

Everything has been contaminated. It is sheer devastation here now​Steve Brittain, of the Fish & Anchor in Evesham, Worcestershire.

The Environment Agency confirmed it is now the worst flood to hit Britain since 1947.

Steve Brittain, of the Fish & Anchor in Evesham, Worcestershire said his pub could be closed for weeks. "The water rose and reached four foot within an hour and a half. There was little we could do except move staff and residents upstairs where they were evacuated by RAF helicopters. ​

"Everything has been contaminated. It is sheer devastation here now."

Where to get help​-Environment Agency Floodline (0845 988 1188): Up to date warnings and visit www.environment-agency.gov.uk/flood for a list of flood protection product retailers

-Licensed Trade Charity (01344 884440): Help with paying the regular monthly bills or paying for essential household items if you weren't covered by insurance

-Federation of Small Businesses (01253 336000): FSB has a fund of £500,000 for interest-free short-term loans to members

What to do​Towergate Partnership, an insurance company and service provider to the FSB, has issued the following advice if you are hit by flooding

-Turn off, isolate or move: Turn off electrical equipment, isolate all utility supplies, including water. Move equipment upstairs where practical. Keep a battery powered radio tuned to a local station.

-Inform insurers: Follow instructions relating to emergency repair work, disposal of damaged goods, handling of business loss/interruption, scheduling of additional building and other restorative works.

-Contact landlord: Your lease or tenancy agreement will set out clearly who is responsible for which repairs.

-Follow utilities and emergency services advice: Do not switch on until advised it is safe to do so. Water may still be contaminated.

-Record damage: Get photographic and video evidence of the damage.

The Morning Advertiser would like to hear from any licensees or micro brewers who are suffering as a result of the floods.

Is your pub closed?

Have you been left without drinking water and electricity?

What have you been doing to help the community?

Email us your stories and pictures to Ewan.Turney@william-reed.co.uk​ or phone 01293 610 388.