A shocking incident in Tenbury Wells, Worcestershire, has left locals furious after a tractor was filmed driving through a flooded high street during Storm Bert, causing significant damage.
The 57-year-old driver was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and dangerous driving following the event on Monday.
The footage, which quickly went viral on social media, shows the tractor plowing through the flooded streets, sending waves of filthy water crashing into shops and homes.
Community Reaction and Ongoing Investigation
West Mercia Police have confirmed the man has been released on bail as investigations into the incident continue.
Inspector Dave Wise, who heads the safer neighbourhood team in Tenbury Wells, expressed gratitude for the community’s cooperation during the initial inquiries.
He acknowledged the frustration caused by the event, assuring residents that the police are actively looking into the matter.
Officers will also be present in Tenbury Wells in the coming days to support the community and assist with recovery efforts after the flood damage.
Damage to Local Businesses
Locals were enraged by the tractor’s careless driving, with many calling out the driver for causing significant disruption.
Business owners, who had worked tirelessly to protect their shops from the rising floodwaters, were left devastated as the tractor’s wake washed away their efforts.
One resident voiced their anger, claiming the driver had “bankrupted Tenbury,” as the damage to local businesses was extensive.
The Flooding and the Tractor’s Wake
The town had already been submerged earlier that day due to rising waters from the nearby Kyre Brook, which caused a wall to collapse.
The floodwaters were a part of the chaos left by Storm Bert, which had wreaked havoc across large parts of Britain.
In the video, a green tractor can be seen speeding through the town centre, sending wave after wave of dirty water smashing against buildings.
The force of the waves reportedly shattered doors and windows, and the driver continued on without any apparent concern.
As the tractor slowed down outside a shop, the water surged over the building’s threshold, adding to the destruction.
Local Business Owners Speak Out
Louise Preston, owner of the Pitter Potter pottery shop on the high street, shared her frustration over the damage caused by the tractor’s wake, which broke the front windows of her store and several others.
She pointed out that, with the holiday season approaching, this was the busiest time for her business.
“This is not what the town needed, particularly not in the run-up to Christmas,” she said.
While she acknowledged that floods were a part of life in the area, she expressed disbelief that anyone would drive a tractor through such dangerous conditions, particularly after the collapse of the flood barrier.
Storm Bert’s Widespread Impact
The flooding in Tenbury Wells was just one part of the chaos caused by Storm Bert, which lashed Britain with 70mph gusts and heavy rain, leaving five people dead and causing widespread devastation.
The storm’s impact has been felt across the country, and recovery efforts are ongoing in many affected areas.
As Tenbury Wells recovers, the town continues to reel from the aftermath of this reckless act, with residents and business owners hoping for swift action and support.
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