PENSIONERS trapped in waterlogged homes had to be rescued from their homes in Cheddar this week after extreme weather caused floods across the district.

PENSIONERS trapped in waterlogged homes had to be rescued from their homes in Cheddar this week after extreme weather caused floods across the district.

The heavy downpours around Sedgemoor led to flooding in Station Road, Kings of Wessex Leisure Centre and homes for the elderly in Symons Way, which neighbours the Cheddar Yeo.

First responders from Cheddar Fire Station were called to rescue four elderly residents whose homes had flooded and motorists were forced to abandon their cars in parts of the village.

Urgent calls are being made for drain problems to be sorted out before more downpours cause further flooding chaos.

Firefighter Jock Rogers said: "The water was about 3ft deep in some houses and about four people had to be rescued.

"Our crews were down there for about four hours, pumping the water out of apartments. They were able to move back in but there was obviously a lot of water damage inside."

Cars had to be abandoned in Kings of Wessex Leisure Centre as the water by the entrance was too deep. Instead of driving out, visitors had to walk through the neighbouring Kings of Wessex School and go back for their cars over the weekend.

Duty manager Alex Rainbow said: "There were about 20 cars stuck here on Friday night and three had to be towed away.

"We have asked the county council before to make some proper drainage but nothing has been done and every time we have a heavy rain something like this happens."

Cheddar Parish Council chairman Peter Lythgoe, of Upper New Road, said: "From our house we could see snow on the Mendips and water running down the roads.

"I have asked Somerset County Council highways to do something about Station Road because every time we get heavy rain it floods.

"I am very worried about public safety and this should be higher on the priority list.

"The water was running in a river down Wideatts Road and Draycott Road near the new estate as well. It really was awful."

The Environment Agency has put Cheddar Yeo, the River Axe and their tributaries on flood warning.

An agency spokesman said: "It is important to be vigilant and take appropriate action when a flood warning is in force and the situation could worsen."

Avon and Somerset Constabulary attended about 130 calls from 1-5pm on Friday.

Avon Fire and Rescue and Somerset and Devon fire services were also inundated with calls relating to the flooding and issued safety tips for dealing with the problems, which can be viewed on our website.

For advice call the Environment Agency Floodline on 0845 9881188.

* Send us your pictures and emails about the floods to newsdesk@thewestonmercury.co.uk or log on to www.thewestonmercury.co.uk to see stories and photographs.