HOME and business-owners in Upper Lydbrook have one big question as they mop up after a disastrous flood struck their community over the weekend – why did it happen?

Exceptionally heavy rain on its own, many are saying, was not enough reason for the deluge in an area more than 100ft above the River Wye.

First in line for blame is maintenance of culverts and drains in a brook running down the narrow valley, but it is unclear whose responsibility this falls to. However one thing is very clear – the cost of making good all the damage could run into millions of pounds.

The water inundated a half mile stretch of the village street to a depth of several feet.