Bradford on Avon flood defences installed as river bursts banks

Some living or working next to the River Avon and the Bull Pit area were out on Monday and Tuesday busily putting up barriers to their shops, offices and homes.

Already, the River Avon through the town has burst its banks and flood waters are lapping up to the main road in St Margaret’s Street.

Flooding in the Bull Pit at Bradford on Avon. (Image: John Baker)

The Environment Agency issued two flood warnings for the upper Bristol Avon area from Chippenham to Melksham, and from Chippenham to Malmesbury.

The agency withdrew its own temporary barrier in the town last year, explaining its use had been reviewed following an incident in Bewdley, Worcestershire, in which an employee was badly injured during severe flooding.

One business owner, Tanya Kloppers, of the Courtyard hair salon, said: “It was so much better when the barriers were up. Now we are left to fend for ourselves.”

Chris Bowyer, 79, who owns a number of river-front properties including The Courtyard hair salon, said he has been left to put up his own barriers with help from family members.

The flood defence barrier installed by Chris Bowyer to protect his properties next to the River Avon at Bradford on Avon. (Image: Trevor Porter)

“I feel comfortable at the moment," he said. "The water is going down fractionally but it is very slowly.

“The agency’s flood defence barrier was not very practical. We ended up with water on both sides.”

Residents and businesses were told in January last year to prepare their own flood defences in future after the agency’s temporary barrier was taken out of service.

It is usually installed alongside the river at the Bull Pit to prevent flooding in the town centre when the Avon bursts its banks.

The agency said people might become trapped behind the barrier if too much water pressed against it.

The flood barrier installed at C S Bowyer Funeral Directors in the Bull Pit, Bradford on Avon. Photo: Trevor Porter 70478-24 (Image: Trevor Porter)

An Environment Agency spokesperson said: “After full consideration and engagement with local people and Wilshire Council the temporary defence flood barriers at the Bull Pit in Bradford on Avon were removed from operation in October 2022.

“A national review identified a potential risk where too much water pressing against the barriers could shift them backwards, trapping and harming anyone behind them.

"Businesses and people living in this area have also installed their own measures to prevent flood water from entering which offer a higher standard of protection than the barriers. 

“We urge everyone to create a flood plan and sign up for flood warnings so they are prepared to act and survive in the event of a flood.” 

Scott Wheeler, 36, of the Feast Brothers in Silver Street, said they had installed a doorstep flood barrier after their landlord warned them their premises could flood.

“We are crossing our fingers hoping for the best,” he said. “The sooner they put up the barriers the better for everyone.

“The repercussions for our property and the one behind (The Swan Hotel) are massive.”

The flood barrier installed by Scott Wheeler on the doorstep of Feast Brothers in Silver Street, Bradford on Avon. (Image: Trevor Porter)

But the residents are still awaiting the outcome of plans for a £1 million flood alleviation scheme outlined by the agency six years ago.

Meanwhile, motorists were seen driving through the floods on the B3105 New Terrace at Staverton and on the B3107 at Challymead near Melksham despite flood warning signs being put up.

The foolhardy drivers ignored ‘road closed’ signs at Staverton as the area experienced its first flooding of the new year.

The scene at Challymead in Melksham with some motorists chancing to drive through the floods. (Image: Trevor Porter)

The River Avon quickly burst its banks on Tuesday, with flood waters on the B3015 at New Terrace and on the B3106 Lane from Staverton to Holt.

The signs were put out by Wiltshire Council to warn drivers not to pass through the notorious flooding black-spot and are designed to ensure their safety.

Some motorists were seen carrying on to drive through the area where some get stuck if the water levels are too high for their vehicle to cope with.

At Reybridge, one resident living near the Wiltshire country home of Queen Camilla said the river levels were “the highest” he had seen for some years.

The road to Reybridge was closed due to flooding. (Image: Trevor Porter)

Fields next to the River Avon and close to the A350 main road through Beanacre and Melksham also flooded.

The road across the bridge at Lacock was also closed to traffic due to flooding from the river.

The scene at Lacock where the road was closed with the level of flood water deep across the carriageway. (Image: Trevor Porter)