'Relief' in Rothbury as water levels fall following Storm Babet

There is relief in the Northumberland town of Rothbury as water levels appear to have peaked following Storm Babet.

Sixteen properties close to the River Coquet were evacuated on Friday 20 October, amid rising water levels.

A major operation was mounted to bring in sandbags to protect homes.

Local councillor, Steven Bridgett, tweeted on Saturday morning that a number of residents appear to "have had a lucky escape" - though he said support would be offered to those whose homes had been flooded.

Cllr Bridgett told ITV Tyne Tees that organisations came together to ensure people and properties were safe.

He said: "In the last 15 years Rothbury has experienced so many disasters and events that always bring the community closer together. There is a fantastic community response."

Cathy Reeve and her husband Desmond were among those who had to leave their home on Friday and take shelter in emergency accommodation.

Returning to the property on Saturday, Mrs Reeve described her feelings.

She told us: "Relieved, especially now we've come home and there's not a drop of water."

The garden of local resident Paul Watson remained under water on Saturday and despite some damage to property, he remained positive.

Mr Watson said: "The garden took a bit of a battering, the fence has gone, trampolines gone, but these things are replaceable.

He continued: "Luckily everybody is safe, the fire crew got everybody off the riverside yesterday, everybody is safe." 

Throughout Friday, Northumberland was among many areas of the North East which were battered by torrential rain.

As that eased, water began to subside.

With water still covering large areas of the riverbank and beyond in Rothbury, a clean-up operation is expected to begin early next week.

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