Storm Bert floods UK pubs

Scary weekend: Storm Bert hits pubs across the UK
Scary weekend: Storm Bert hits pubs across the UK (Getty Images/richard johnson)

Storm Bert damages and floods pubs over ‘scary weekend’.

The storm hit England late on Friday 22 November and caused significant river and surface water flooding in certain parts of England on Sunday 24 November.

Flooding was particularly bad in the South West, West Midlands, and the Calder and Weaver Valleys within the North of England.

Significant damage

Owner of the Stubbing Wharf in West Yorkshire, Amy Ingrahm relayed her experiences of the floods.

She told The Morning Advertiser (MA): “We’ve been affected quite a lot.

“We had a lot of damage in the downstairs area over the weekend, Saturday it probably started coming in at about 2am and then it just continued.

“Sunday morning, it was still there. Then it finally started going down about dinnertime.”

The site has remained closed due to the flooding as “thick mud and horrible odours” lingered, Ingram explained.

The operator added residents in the surrounding area were “panicked” on Saturday because everywhere “shut down”, which she said was “quite a scary time.”

Flooding Minister Emma Hardy said: “I am receiving regular updates on the response to flooding in parts of the country.

“My sympathies are with all of those who have been impacted by Storm Bert.”

Hardy also thanked the Environment Agency and emergency responders for their “tireless work to protect communities.”

Rail services were also impacted by Storm Bert.

Labour MP for Plymouth, Sutton and Devenport Luke Pollard told constitutes via social media there were “no trains to or from” the south west or Wales due to flooding from Storm Bert.

He also shared his appreciation for the emergency services and those trying to recover services such as rail networks.

Teams on the ground

Meanwhile Great Western Railway similarly encouraged people to check before they travel, warning of suspended journeys due to flooding.

Licensee of the Vine Tree in Llangattock, Connor Turner told The MA the pub, which opened two months ago, had lost out on 70 covers due to the storm.

However, Turner added he felt lucky there were no internal damages to the site, despite water getting into the prep room and cellar.

“We’re evaluating the damage to stock, cleaning the car park and awaiting the council to clean the debris from the road outside… we have flood gates outside which saved the main restaurant and kitchen as well as two small pumps", he continued.

Environment Agency flood duty manager Andrew Hitchings assured teams were “on the ground” and “taking action” to reduce the impact of the flooding and supporting local authorities.

Hitchings said: “We advise people to stay away from swollen rivers and urge people not to drive through flood water as just 30cm of flowing water is enough to move your car.”

Owner of Shoulder of Mutton Inn in Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, Leslie Wood explained 33 roads near the pub had been closed.

She continued: “There were no buses or trains. Hebden Bridge has flooded many times. So we’re well aware of how to deal with it.

“We have got the Environment Agency in town and they’re starting work next year for a flood alleviation programme.”