Swindon: Sandbags handed to households before Storm Ciarán

Paul Stoner has been flooded three times in 32 days

Hundreds of sandbags have been delivered to homes at risk of more flooding in Swindon.

The council handed them out to households recently affected by floodwater, but also to residents along a street in Covingham.

There is a yellow weather warning in place for heavy rain in the town as Storm Ciarán approaches.

Paul Stoner, who has been flooded three times in 32 days, said the sandbags were a relief.

The 34-year-old, who lives in Peregrine Close, said: "I've lived here for six and half years. I've seen the stream get high, but I've never seen anything like this."

'Tuned into the rain'

He said that the first time they were flooded, the living room was worst affected, and they have also had problems with water getting into the gas pipes.

"I had to pull up all the flooring, to let the house dry out. We've only just now got to the point to install new flooring," he said.

Mr Stoner said he has now "tuned myself in" to the rain.

"I wake up to it. I listen constantly to the rain," he added.

People have been laying the sandbags around the edges of their homes

Extra council staff have been put on standby and have been clearing gullies and drains in preparation for the storm.

There is also set to be extra staff on call for the highways, the council said.

Swindon Borough Council cabinet member for the environment and transport, Chris Watts, said sandbags have helped in a previous flood.

"We understand we need to help as much as we can," he said.

"We do have a limited stock so we are prioritising those houses that had property damage on 18 September."

Councillor Chris Watts said the council is responding to "well over a hundred flooding and drainage inquiries"

He explained that people have already been reporting where the worst areas are, with the council responding to "well over a hundred flooding and drainage inquiries".

"I would encourage residents to keep themselves and others safe during the storm and, if high winds do affect the borough, to secure their property and any waste and recycling they put out for collection," he added.

"If you spot any flooding, standing water or trees that may have fallen, please report it as soon as you can to the council via the website and we will deal with these on a priority basis."

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