Shropshire Star

Flood-hit shop owners demanding action

Residents and business owners have called for more action to prevent a repeat of the flooding that hit Coleham in Shrewsbury for the third time in 11 months.

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The clean-up around Coleham in Shrewsbury after the floods but business owners say more preventative action is needed

The area was flooded on Thursday evening, with businesses once again seeing thousands of pounds of damage caused by the rising Severn.

Jonathan Ruddock, 50, who owns The Lighthouse light shop in Coleham, said he had been frustrated at the lack of progress in practical measures to reduce the flooding since last March.

He said: “Nothing has happened to alleviate the flooding for 25 businesses in Coleham.

"We are in exactly the same boat as we were 11 months ago. Can someone please take responsibility for alleviating the flood risk in Coleham?”

Mr Ruddock highlighted the issue of the drains that run along from his street in the direction of Abbey Foregate.

He said: “The drains don’t work, they were like this before it was flooded.

“I just want the drains to work. Who do I talk to about that?”

The clean-up around Coleham in Shrewsbury after the floods but business owners say more preventative action is needed

Mr Ruddock said it was more frustrating seeing nothing happen than dealing with the actual clean up.

He said: “There are no boots on the ground, no visible improvement, it is the same situation.”

He added: “The shop has been great. It is extremely successful online, and I can deal with cleaning muddy water but the fact nothing has changed is more upsetting.”

David and Ursula Trow at Coleham Barbers were cleaning up after seeing the shop under two feet of water – like many others, for the third time since last February.

Mr Trow said the warnings about the level of the water had fluctuated.

He said: “It is soul destroying at times and at time you feel like giving up but we won’t.”

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