RESIDENTS and volunteers are cleaning drains around town to prevent what its vice-chair called the “rain from hell”.

CARG (Chard Area Resilience Group) said its members have been out to check on their neighbours and clean drains in anticipation of the rainy weather.

As the heatwave comes to an end, thunderstorms might be on their way to Somerset, and residents in Chard are trying to prevent floods.

Chard & Ilminster News: Today's forecast for Chard from the Met OfficeToday's forecast for Chard from the Met Office

The vice-chair of the group, Louise Allen, who lives in the Crimchard area of the town, said: “This morning (Tuesday, August 16) we are constantly watching the Met Office report.

“I am really hoping the rain is soft and not what I call the ‘rain from hell’.

“We just get incredibly anxious. A lot of people can’t afford floodgates and sandbags are practically useless, but they are quite good at diverting waters.”

Louise has also explained how volunteers and members of CARG have been out and about to help residents within the community.

She said it has been “pointless” as some in some drains “there was a lot from not having being cleaned before”.

However, residents in the CARG group reported that drains were cleaned in the Forton area.

Louise said: “We have been out making sure our neighbours are ok and they get milk and bread because it could be all night.

“CARG is also recruiting flood wardens, this is what CARG is doing is important.

“Chard is on the second highest point in Somerset and water comes down from the hills around us.

“What I am hoping for this morning is that the soft rain will soften the ground so that it will be more absorbent.

“It is very dramatic being flooded, it could affect you for months and months.

“Ensure that you have communications. Your electricity may go down charge up your phone, keep it in a plastic bag. Have a written list of contact numbers somewhere dry and safe.”

A Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: "In terms of prevention we’ve publicised our flash flooding safety advice on the front page of our website.

"We are keeping a watching brief on the situation. From the Met Office rainfall radar forecast heavy rainfall is predicted over Somerset from 3.45pm which continues well into the evening. As yet, we haven’t had any flooding incidents reported."

Flood emergency information, which advises residents to prepare for floods can be found on South Somerset District Council website here

South County Council are the lead flooding authority and their flooding advice can be found here.

Flooding affected properties in Chard, Ilminster, and the surrounding villages in mid- and late-2021.

The Chard area was hit by remarkable flash flooding in late-June 2021, with social media being awash with images and videos of water flowing down the A30 Fore Street, the A358 Furnham Road, and the Glynswood residential area.

Multiple roads in the villages around Chard suffered severe damage and required extensive repairs, including Scrapton Lane near Combe St. Nicholas.

For more information check the CARG group on Facebook or visit the website here