Further flooding misery bumps up clean-up costs

FURTHER flooding woes in and around Ottery last weekend have added an extra £100,000 to the clean-up bill from October 30.

FURTHER flooding woes in and around Ottery last weekend have added an extra £100,000 to the clean-up bill from October 30.

More than £1million has been dished out by local authorities in the wake of the freak rain and hail storms which caused devastation in East Devon and further downpours on December 12 set back the repair bid.

The county council's executive member for environment, Margaret Rogers, said she had been "staggered" at the cost of the flood clean up and added: "It just shows the effects new weather conditions are having on the county. The costs are rising and I don't see that diminishing."

The vast majority of the money has been spent by Devon County Council, which is responsible for clearing debris and cleaning up the roads and has already forked out around £500,000 to do so. More misery will see that figure swell by at least £100,000.

With more severe weather predicted, Ottery residents fear insurance premium increases and have called for action to be taken to protect their homes and businesses.

Chris Garlick, of Thorne Farm Way, where residents have suffered flooding twice in six weeks said: "People are very worried, they assume that if we keep claiming our insurance premiums will go through the roof."

Heather Shepherd, who works for the National Flood Forum, has urged anyone with insurance concerns to contact the charity. She said:

"The Stress caused by flood water in your home is bad enough, the last thing people want to then start dealing with is the added stress caused by inattentive insurance companies. We can usually successfully sort out any problems."

The NFF can be contacted at www.floodforum.org.uk or on (01299) 403055. Further information is available at Ottery's Tourist Information Office.