Last updated 15:53, Tuesday, 14 October 2008

TWO pensioners had to be rescued from their homes when the Beldon Burn at Blanchland burst through a bridge parapet, flooding the village.

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In flood: The swollen River Derwent at it rushes through Blanchland.

Sisters Audrey and Mary Morpeth, of The Square, had to be helped to safety as neighbours rushed to move their possessions out of the way of the water which flooded their bungalow.
Both in their seventies, the women are now staying with their brother who lives in the village, and whose own home was affected during the flood.
Further up the lane, George and Alice Ellison, also of The Square, felt the full force of the water as it burst through their back door, flooding the lounge.
Mrs Ellison described the moment on Saturday afternoon when she saw the parapet collapse under the build-up of debris and rising flood water.
“There were about eight young lads who had been helping out at the sports club in the village standing on the bridge when the parapet broke.
“They started running away from the gushing water and we were laughing at first – that is until we realised it was coming straight into our house!”
The flood waters swept through their property, ruining furniture, including the couple’s electric reclining sofas, and leaving mud and silt in its wake.
Mrs Ellison said: “We are back to the stone floor which is lovely but very uneven, which is why we put down the floating floor.
“As for the sofas, we will have to see if they start working again when they’ve dried out.”
Another resident had to pump out his cellar which was under several feet of water. Luckily his house escaped any major water damage.
As the burn which runs into the River Derwent burst its banks, water, mud and debris swept through the bar, games room and changing areas of the village’s sports club.
Club secretary Pauline Ellwood, said: “The club is not as bad as some of the houses but it is upsetting and the smell is like rotting vegetation.”
The waters submerged the sports field and children’s play area sited along the banks of the river, flooded nearby gardens and yards and rose to within inches of properties along the bank side.
Blanchland’s popular White Monk Tea Rooms in the heart of the village escaped any flood damage as did the Village Post Office, which saw an influx of customers stocking up on supplies.
Member of staff Julie Medlen said: “We had more people than usual in on Saturday because they couldn’t get out to go shopping so they came here for supplies and essentials.”
Early estimates put the clean-up operation for the village at several weeks, while Northumberland County Council workers have already been out inspecting drains and road surfaces buckled by the force of the water.