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Flooding in Tunbridge Wells high street and train station

Dead rats were seen floating in the streets of Tunbridge Wells following this week's dramatic flooding.

The downpours left much of the town underwater, with the Pantiles area particularly badly affected.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service said it received dozens of calls about the flooding, and urged people not to call 999 unless it was a genuine emergency.

This picture was posted on Twitter by @southalllaura
This picture was posted on Twitter by @southalllaura
Photos of rats washed up in Tunbridge Wells via @rik_sellers
Photos of rats washed up in Tunbridge Wells via @rik_sellers

Tunbridge Wells Borough Council staff worked through the night on the clean up operation, and urged people to avoid the Pantiles area.

At the same time, one of the busiest roads on the Isle of Sheppey was closed after torrential rain.

Police closed off Minster Road after a hole appeared.

The scene in Minster
The scene in Minster

Officers were stationed at the junctions with The Broadway and Barton Hill Drive.

Cones were also placed along a section of the road.

The downpours caused travel disruption after trains were halted due to flooding at Tunbridge Wells railway station.

Much of the town is underwater. Pic: @TunWellsTrades
Much of the town is underwater. Pic: @TunWellsTrades
Tracks at the station are flooded. Picture: @TunWellsTrades
Tracks at the station are flooded. Picture: @TunWellsTrades

The tracks were left underwater.

Other parts of the town experienced heavy rainfall and motorists and public transport passengers experienced a lot of congestion.

Oxfam Bookshop tweeted the video below, saying simply: "The High Street is looking a bit damp!"

Kent Fire and Rescue said it received more than 60 calls from the Tunbridge Wells are about isolated flooding.

Crews were sent to assess each emergency call, in some instances assistance could not be offered as flood water was already receding, or there was nowhere to pump water without affecting other properties.

Fire engines pumped out water from homes in Nevill Street and Market Street between around 5.30pm until after 1am the following morning.

Firefighters were not required to carry out rescue of any casualties and there are no reports of any injuries.

The flash floods hit Tunbridge Wells. Picture: @Trishhackett
The flash floods hit Tunbridge Wells. Picture: @Trishhackett
The water caused damage to roads and businesses in Tunbridge Wells. Picture: @Trishhackett
The water caused damage to roads and businesses in Tunbridge Wells. Picture: @Trishhackett

Tunbridge Wells Borough Council staff spent an entire day assessing the damage caused and supporting residents whose homes were affected by the floods.

A spokesman for the authority said additional resources are still on standby and staff are continuing to work with the emergency services to monitor the situation.

Elsewhere, in Canterbury, heavy downpours turned one cul-de-sac into a small lake.

Huge puddles formed in Broad Oak Road as drains were unable to cope with the amount of rain, and a 10in deep puddle swelled up in Rough Common.

Flooding in Maple Close, Rough Common
Flooding in Maple Close, Rough Common
The rain keeps on coming in Maple Close, Rough Common
The rain keeps on coming in Maple Close, Rough Common

Were you badly affected by the flooding? Send us your story and images to news@thekmgroup.co.uk

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