AFTER the snow came the rain prompting flood alerts.
The Avon burst its banks in Stratford and residents and business around the district were also on their guard following heavy rain on Friday.
Among those caught out by the rising waters was the driver of a van who got stuck in a ford on Walton Road in Wellesbourne on Monday afternoon.
Unable to swim, the driver climbed onto the roof of his vehicle to await rescue, which came in the form of firefighters with a water sled. The driver was reported ‘safe and well’ after his ordeal.
Stratford Boat Club, which has its headquarters next to the Tramway Bridge, was among those forced to take action after the rising water entered the boathouse.
Club spokesman Christopher Best said: “We took all the boats on the lower racks so that they don’t float upwards and crush on the rack above. We also took everything off the floor and all our electrical points are at shoulder height to avoid damage.
“Our launches have been securely moored up to allow them to move up and down as the river level changes and poles are put next to them to avoid them being left on land when the river finally goes down.
“All river rowing is cancelled and the river is red flagged, the car park and grounds are closed, but the club remains open and land training continues as ever through the day and into the evening.
“We’re prepared and this happens most years and we have procedures in place to summon help from club members when we get warnings.”
The Environment Agency trialled new temporary flood barriers on Waterside last year, but they were not deployed this week.
Visit flood-warning-information.service.gov.uk for updates on flood alerts.
