Flood rips through 200 homes
Carpet and Upholstery Cleaners - 01/12/2006 14:08:59
Carpet and upholstery cleaners will be needed in Thames Ditton after a burst water main pumped water into 200 homes and shops.
As well as damage to personal items, carpets and upholstery, 17,000 homes were left without power thanks to the damage caused by the flood.
Tracy Blatchford, who owns a fireplace showroom on the high street, claims that the force of water was so strong that it knocked down a wall and ripped out the gardens of countless homes in its path.
Speaking to the local press, Ms Blatchford said: "There is a 30 ft crater where the mains burst, there is no lawn left and it looks like a bomb has hit it.
"The water has ruined the back gardens of a row of houses in that road and knocked down the wall at the end."
Red Cross crews were on hand following the accident, offering refreshments and advice on where to find temporary accommodation.
They were also in contact with Thames Water, the operator of the burst pipe, as well as the fire brigade to keep residents up to speed on news and developments regarding when they could safely return to their homes.
If you've had a flood from the bathroom or have just dropped some food on your nice white carpet, click here to find information on carpet and upholstery cleaners near you.