Flooded Wellingborough shop owner: ‘We’ve been let down’

Flash floods have caused thousands of pounds of damage to a long-standing Wellingborough town centre shop this afternoon (Sunday, August 16).

Rutherfords - one of Wellingborough’s longest established independent business - has tonight started a huge clear-up operation after being flooded for the third time in recent years.

A large section of Wellingborough was hit with a deluge of floodwater this afternoon during thunderstorms. And Rutherfords Locksmiths, which incorporates the Big Trophy Shop, on Market Street has faced devastation after water reached 3ft high on the warehouse doors.

The water flooded throughout its entire shop and rear warehouse, causing thousands of pounds of damage and disruption.

Director Tim Nolan said: “At a time when small businesses have been hard enough hit with the impact of Coronavirus, this was the last thing that was needed.

”This is the third time the business has been hit and feels let down by the council. Works that the Council have previously undertaken to the road and drains have again proved inadequate.

“It is doubtful that the shop will be able to trade fully for the next few days. “

As well as supplying locksmith services and trophies, the company also has a successful on-line personalised giftware arm which has also had to be suspended.

Several other shops and houses in the area are believed to have been affected. Videos posted online showed walls of water cascading down town centre streets during this afternoon’s deluge.