HUNDREDS of families and, in many cases, whole communities, were on Tuesday counting the cost after non-stop, torrential rains caused chaos and disruption across Monmouthshire, with homes flooded and roads closed.

For some families in Monmouth it was a case of history repeating itself, with dirty flood waters once again sweeping through their homes. Communities in all parts of the area were affected, including Wyesham, Mitchel Troy, Rockfield and Watery Lane, Osbaston and Buckholt.

There was great disappointment as well supported events were called off, including Usk Show, Llangattock Ploughing Match and the Rotary Club Raft Race on the Wye, which has had to be re-scheduled. Numerous sporting fixtures were also the victims of the deluge, including, ironically, angling at Wentwood!

Monmouth Town Mayor, Counc Terry Christopher, angry that repeated warnings about allowing large scale housing development on known flood plains, was on Tuesday trying to arrange a meeting with Environment Agency bosses, County Council leaders and local residents.

He said that three homes in St Vincent's Drive on the Rockfield Estate were once again having to cope with flood waters in their properties. "I want a meeting with those involved to ensure this does not happen again" said the Mayor. "The latest flooding has highlighted what we have been saying for years about the risk of flooding in this area of the town".

The Beacon was contacted on Monday by residents living in Blake Street, who pointed out that twelve houses were flooded last Friday evening after waters came down from nearby farmers' fields.

"Homes were flooded to a depth of several inches and the force service was called out to pump out the flood water" said one resident. "Ditches that should be cleared out was part of the problem". Works on the creation of a hydro-electric plant were being blamed for the flooding heartache which affected homes at The Forge in Osbaston.

One local man, Richard Chamberlain, said flood waters had engulfed his bungalow home.

In all, nine properties were flooded, with the removal of flood defences being blamed."My wife and I were in the bungalow, but could do nothing to stop the waters from getting into our home" said Mr Chamberlain. "It came through the walls and floors" he said, adding that a land drainage consultant had been called in to investigate the cause of the flooding.

Between lunchtime and midnight, Fire Control received more than 80 calls from people in and around Monmouth, relating to flooding incidents. 

Throughout the day, Firefighters attended dozens of addresses to pump out residential properties, and to escort residents to safety.  St Vincent's Drive was particularly badly affected.  Crews attended Somerfield Stores, where a ceiling had collapsed due to the rainwater, cordoned off the area and isolated gas and electricity supply. (see page 4 for more pictures and stories)