Council responds to Storm Dennis
With the second storm to hit Wiltshire in two weekends, Wiltshire Council's highways team has been working around the clock to keep Wiltshire's highways as safe as possible.
Storm Dennis saw gusts in excess of 50mph and constant rainfall throughout the weekend, causing trees to fall and localised flooding.
The council's crews received more than 100 reports that spanned the length and breadth of the county and worked day and night to keep Wiltshire's major routes as clear as possible.
Throughout the weekend more than 50 trees came down, and there are some flood alerts in the county; with roads at East Dean, Holt and Melksham, Shaw, Lacock, Reybridge and Staverton closed at the moment.
Although the weather looks fairly unsettled for the rest of the week, water levels are already starting to recede. However, people are advised to still take extra care and be mindful of surface water and debris on the roads and paths. The council's highways team will be ready to respond should the situation worsen again.
The crews have temporarily suspended business as usual to focus on the fallout of both storm Ciara and Dennis and ensure the county gets back to normal as soon as possible.
Cllr Bridget Wayman, Cabinet Member for Highways, said: To have to deal with two storms in a week is unprecedented and I'd like to pay tribute to our highways team, as well as our partners, for working so hard throughout both weekends to keep the county moving and people safe. The team has been working at all corners and ends of the county, and that's been one of the biggest challenges.
Our communities also responded well and its good to see that they were prepared for the storm to hit that really helps us.
People should also be aware of any potential flooding risk, by signing up for alerts with the GOV.UK: Check for flooding in England (opens new window).
To report a fallen tree or any other highways issues, please use our My Wilts online reporting service.
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