Fire chief calls for flood gates on road between Staverton and Holt

Tim Gray, group manager with Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, believes flood gates could solve the problem of drivers becoming stranded after ignoring the flashing flood warning signs.

He said: “People driving through floodwater at Staverton Causeway and Holt Cut has been an issue for many years, and all too often we are called upon to rescue drivers who have ignored temporary road closed signs and ended up stranded in deep water.

“We have been working with Wiltshire Council and other partners to identify potential solutions, and we strongly support the installation of flood gates in this location.”

The heavy rainfall over Christmas and New Year led to surface water flooding on the road. Many motorists ignored the flashing flood warning signs and continued to drive through the water.

Trowbridge crews have frequently been called out to rescue drivers who have got stuck after their vehicles have stalled in the flood waters.

D&WFRS group manager Damian Bence said: “This is stopping firefighters from attending to other matters, potentially ones that are life-threatening.

“It also puts firefighters in danger. Sometimes just four inches of flood water can sweep someone off their feet. In the past, even fire engines have become stuck.

“People need to take more care, not take the risk of driving in these areas and take a longer and safer route, as it can be very serious.”

Last week, the Environment Agency and Wiltshire Council urged motorists to drive carefully due to surface water flooding on the county’s roads.

The agency issued two flood warnings for sections of the River Avon between Malmesbury and Chippenham and from Chippenham to Melksham.

The Agency reported that rivers downstream of Melksham were full and still rising, with the Met Office forecasting more rain to come over the weekend and this week.