Dave Laming: ‘Somewhere under there is road to my boatyard’
More than 50 people had their Christmas lunch cancelled after the Lock Keeper in Keynsham was forced to close because of the rising floodwaters. And some 40 families have been cut off on the Broadmead Peninsula because of the flooding.
The Lock Keeper, next to the River Avon, was open on Christmas Eve even though the car park and cellar were flooded. But by that evening the pub was forced to close as the waters rose dangerously and it remained closed yesterday.
However the inn was back in business this afternoon although the flooded car park remained closed.
The Jolly Sailor at Saltford, which had been planning to open for drinks on Christmas Day, could not open because of floods they described on Twitter as “the worst it’s ever been” . Sister pub the nearby Riverside Inn was open however for food and drinks. The Jolly Sailor was open to customers again today.
The serious flooding has sparked a call for urgent action from the Phoenix Boatyard owner Dave Laming, who is also B&NES Council’s river champion. He said the flooding was the worst he’d seen in 25 years.
Writing on Twitter on Christmas Eve, he said: “I have nearly 40 families cut off in a raging river. No Xmas for them.”
And he posted a picture on Christmas Day with the caption: “Somewhere under there is road to my boatyard. Worst in 25 years I’ve ever seen.”
He added: “This is very serious and I’ve been predicting it for years…….the River Regeneration Trust (TRRT), Canal & River Trust, Environment Agency and B&NES Council have to address this urgently in the New Year. Wessex Water can and will help.”
Meanwhile the A431 between Bristol and Bath remains closed at Kelston because of flooding.
And Keynsham Town Football Club’s Boxing Day game had to be called off due to the flooded pitch.
More heavy rain is forecast for tomorrow.
