Torrential downpours caused flooding in Westbury on Monday evening, with businesses and homes left to clean up the damage.

Victor Ryan, of The Portway Fish Bar, was one of the traders affected.

Mr Ryan shut his shop at 5.30pm, to sweep out water from the first downpour, but after re-opening at 7pm another deluge forced him to close for the rest of the night.

Several shops in High Street were badly affected, including Dorothy House Hospice Care charity shop and Banana Blues. Homes in West End and Eden Vale also struggled.

Mr Ryan said: “The water was coming through the shop from the back door quicker than we could brush it out the front door.

“We lost an evening of trade and we had to spend time moving the fridge and freezers and cleaning.”

Dorothy House shop manager Cherol North said: “The flood water came through the back doors and the floors were soaked. It stopped about 3ft short of the main shop, but we will lose some stock.”

The fire service received nine Westbury calls in a half-hour period.

Peggy Pearce, of West End, said: “We only had a bit of water come under the door, but our neighbour was completely flooded and required the fire brigade to come out.

“The road was flooded and water was gushing along the pavement.”

The Environment Agency issued flood warnings to Westbury, Melksham and Bradford on Avon.

A flat above Specsavers in Bank Street, Melksham, was flooded by water leaking through the roof. A basement at HSBC in Fore Street, Trowbridge, flooded on Tuesday morning, causing a fire risk.