Flooding in the wake of Storm Henk continues to wreak havoc in Didcot, affecting numerous businesses and services in the area. In particular, businesses at the Southmead Industrial Park have been severely impacted, with many forced to close their doors as they assess and recover from the damage caused by extensive flooding. Despite the challenging circumstances, some businesses have shown resilience and ingenuity in protecting their premises.
Lee Matthews, director of DJ Matthews MOT, shared his experience of the flooding, noting that his unit was one of the lucky few to escape significant damage. He attributed this fortunate outcome to his business’s strategic position in relation to a brook running behind the estate, which had overflowed. However, Mr. Matthews raised concerns about the lack of regular maintenance of drains and guttering in the area, which likely contributed to the severity of the flooding.
While DJ Matthews MOT managed to avoid devastation, neighboring units were not as fortunate. Mr. Matthews witnessed fellow businesses undergoing a challenging clean-up process, as damaged or destroyed property was removed from their ground floors. The affected businesses expressed their commitment to recovering from the damage and getting back on their feet.
In addition to the industrial park, other significant establishments in Didcot have also suffered as a result of the flooding. Didcot Parkway station remained open, but some services had to be canceled due to the floodwater. The underpass at the station became flooded, hampering access to certain platforms. Meanwhile, Didcot Railway Centre was compelled to close its doors, as the flooding made it unsafe for visitors. The center acknowledged that the pumps provided by Network Rail were inadequate in dealing with the volume of water present.
The impact of the flooding spread beyond businesses and transportation services. The car park at Didcot Library became unusable after heavy rainfall, but the building remained open initially. Unfortunately, the library had to announce its closure shortly after, affecting patrons’ access to its services. A spokesperson for Oxfordshire County Council stated that the decision to temporarily close the library was made to ensure the safety of both staff and visitors. The council expressed hope for a prompt reopening pending the completion of necessary repairs and assessments.
Local councilor Ian Snowdon expressed his sympathy for the residents, businesses, and the wider community affected by the flooding. He called for increased investment in drain maintenance and infrastructural upkeep to prevent such incidents in the future, emphasizing the need for prioritization based on the true needs of the area and not ideological factors.
As Didcot businesses and services rally to recover from the devastating effects of Storm Henk’s flooding, the community is reminded of the importance of preparedness and maintenance in mitigating the damage caused by such natural disasters. The road to recovery may be long, but with resilience and support, Didcot will bounce back stronger than ever.
Please let me know if you need any further assistance.
