Story: Lesley Boulton
It was a close run thing but the Wicker Pharmacy stayed true to its 52 year history of opening every day. With only 2 minutes warning, staff managed to keep the business going by transferring upstairs and manning their mobile phones. Taking in stranded passers by, they stayed at their posts until eventually being rescued by the fire service at 8pm that evening by boat.
Mr Martin Bennett, the owner of the Pharmacy and the Wicker Mobility Shop next door, said:
“Initial estimates of damage could run to £70–80,000 not including major work that will be needed to refurbish the Mobility Shop”.
Surprised by the speed and direction of the flood, Mr Bennett suspects that “the extensive building developments around the river may have affected the flood plain.” He praised the emergency services and the swiftness of their response.