Appeal to help Suffolk residents flooded out by Storm Babet

Framlingham-based charity Hour Community is seeking funds to help households in the town who had to move out of their homes after being inundated with water when Framlingham Mere overflowed during heavy downpours on Friday.

Roads became impassable and cars were submerged in the brown water which engulfed the town, forcing residents to find alternative accommodation.

READ MORE: Suffolk town's response during Storm Babet praised

The Railway Inn pub in Station Road was also badly damaged by the tide, which destroyed tables and chairs and much of the electrical equipment in the kitchen.

On Saturday, landlady Laura Robinson said she feared she may not be able to reopen until the New Year and on Monday she found out that the pub was not covered by insurance.

She put an appeal out on Facebook for volunteers to help clear the barns and garage at the pub.

READ MORE: Framlingham cars shown in aftermath of Storm Babet flood

Cars submerged in The Elms car park in Framlingham during Storm Babet (Image: Charlotte Bond)The charity helped to set up a temporary base at the Castle Community Rooms in Church Street, which was initially aimed at 20 residents who had been forced to leave Elms Housing Care, but ended up providing a home for the night for workers who could not get to their homes across town.

Hour Community's chief executive Nick Corke said he was aware of five people who did not have contents insurance for their properties and therefore needed financial help to replace furniture damaged in the flood.

READ MORE: Framlingham news

He believed that some households had not arranged insurance cover because they had not expected an event of this magnitude and had prioritised essential needs, such as food, during the cost-of-living crisis.

Cars stranded in Station Road in Framlingham during Storm Babet (Image: Simon Scott)He said: "The more we have got, the more we will be able to help. It is as simple as that. Hour Community is here to help.

"There were people walking out of their homes with what they were wearing and that's it. The situation in houses and flats was unbelievable and we are now just beginning to get those bases covered."

READ MORE: Suffolk news

He praised staff at East Suffolk Council for their help during the crisis, which included dumping the items that had been cleared from homes, but said there had been instances of thieves stealing some of the possessions left outside.

The Railway Inn was also badly damaged by the flooding (Image: Laura Robinson)He also reported instances of bogus insurance brokers knocking on the doors of elderly residents and offering to arrange insurance money for water damage, in return for taking a sum of their own in commission.

"These are people who are trying their luck and preying on the vulnerable. It has been reported to the town council. I am just sick of such people," Mr Corke added.

An account has been set up to receive donations for the Framlingham Flood Appeal.

The accounts details are:

Name: Hour Community

Sort Code: 201995

Account number: 13223590