Power restored to UK homes as water levels recede

The worst floods in the UK's modern history began to recede in Gloucestershire, England today as tens of thousands of homes had their power switched back on.

With river levels “slowly” falling in the early hours, emergency services managed to restore electricity to more than 48,000 houses plunged into darkness after Castlemeads Substation was deluged by the River Severn.

Police said there was also a “positive” outlook for Walham Substation, which had been the force’s main area of concern.

Temporary flood barriers had been erected around the Gloucester station, which serves half a million homes, and officers were now prioritising repairing the county’s water supply.

Police spokeswoman Katy Roberts said: “Power has now been restored to all homes that were affected as a result of the flooding at Castlemeads Substation. There is also a positive picture at Walham Substation as the situation there remains under control.

“As the situation at the county’s substations becomes less critical emergency services will be directing their resources to other areas affected by the flooding.

“River levels have peaked and the level is now falling, but due to the current high volumes of water this is happening quite slowly.

“Preparatory work is under way so experts can gain access to the Mythe Water Pumping Station at Tewkesbury today, in a bid to return water supply to the 70,000 households in Tewkesbury, Gloucester and Cheltenham.

“Severn Trent Water is aiming to have around 900 bowsers in place throughout the county by later today.

“The Royal Logistics Corp is now assisting in the planned delivery of water working with Severn Trent and the local authority to target the neediest areas first.”