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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 cc]]>
