Hoarwithy couple Tony and Sally Roberts were devastated when their home was hit by flooding in June.

Their property was uninsured because of previous problems with flooding arising from run off from land high above their home.

However members of the local community in and around Hoarwithy rallied round and local Councillor Russell B. Hamilton, who has been helping the family ever since the flooding, has sought help from a wide range of people. These included Droitwich based Company UK Flood Barriers who he asked if it could help to provide protection to the property from further flooding so that other work could begin to enable the family to get back on its feet. The threat of further flooding has been hanging over them every time it rains.

Councillor Hamilton said: "I want to thank everyone who has helped so far including UK Flood Barriers whose response was incredible. They sent someone out to do a survey immediately and offered to make bespoke flood barriers to fit all those doors that were at risk of flooding free of charge. Not only this but the barriers were ready and installed within days. I am extremely grateful to them as they recognised that the circumstances in which this family found themselves were exceptional."

While the company's engineers were installing barriers at the home a flash flood hit Hoarwithy. Luckily the barriers kept the water away from the Roberts' property.

Councillor Hamilton went on to say that "The damage inflicted on this property was incredible. It is heart breaking as the family has lost virtually all of their property and personal effects that were on the ground floor where the water was up to a metre deep throughout the house.

"Everyone who has seen the damage for themselves has realised just how devastating the flooding has been and how much has still to be done before Tony and Sally can return to normality. There are many others who have helped too who l have yet to thank publically.

"My current priority is to find a kitchen for Tony and Sally and to find a plasterer who can reinstate the kitchen ceiling that was brought down by water that had entered via a first floor window."

The flood barriers have been tested five times since their recent installation which goes to show not only how important they are but just how effective they are as no water has found its way into the house.

There is a great deal to be done yet and anyone who would like to help can make a donation via the Parochial Church Council who has set up an appeal fund.

Donations can be made payable to Hentland With Hoarwithy TR Appeal, care of either Church Warden Peter Pember, One Eleven, Hoarwithy, Hereford HR2 6QH – telephone 01432 840254 or Robin Symonds Dason Court, Hentland, Ross-on-Wye HR9 6LW – telephone 01989 730439.