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Back in 2012, Somerset Levels suffered from the worst floods
that the area had seen in 100 years. Large areas of farmland, homes
and businesses were inundated by the flooding, but the local
residents were able to effectively deal with the situation.
However, in recent weeks, following England’s wettest January in
centuries, the community has once again faced serious floods and
struggled against the severe weather conditions. It has been
estimated that 350 people have been affected by the unexpected
downpours.
The Prince of Wales is set to host a reception in the village of
Stoke St Gregory for local residents, farmers and emergency
services personnel who have been victims of the
flood. Attending the reception along with him will be
representatives from The Prince’s Countryside Fund.
Prince Charles is the patron of The Prince’s Countryside Fund, a
collaboration of businesses with a long-held commitment to help
support and sustain the British countryside and its agriculture.
The Fund was set up by Business in the Community in July
2010, and has been allocating grants to rural projects twice a year
since it began. It also reserves a portion of its income to use in
times of emergency.
After the reception, the Prince will travel by boat to flood-hit
Muchleney, provided the water levels are not too high. After
arriving he will be taken to Thorney Moor Farm in a tractor-pulled
trailer, where he will assess the damage caused by the flood waters
and see for himself how the residents are coping with the
crisis.
David Fothergill, the Chairman of the Somerset County Council,
expressed his enthusiasm upon receiving the news of the Royal
visit, and said: “I’m delighted that the Prince of Wales will visit
us and take the time to see the full extent of the crisis that has
hit our county for the second year in a row.”
Photo credit: Downing Street via photopin
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