Guernsey Press

Gallery: Town businesses flooded but customers take it in their stride

FLOOD defences proved only partially effective for some quayside businesses on Monday night, as a 10.3m tide saw sea water flooding the road up to about a foot deep in some parts.

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Customers outside of Mora. Pic by Sophie Rabey (25940632)
Rosie Toynton, Nicole Guilmoto and Holly Horne enjoying the weather.. (25940628)
Customers outside of Mora. Pic by Sophie Rabey (25940632)
The wet weather left Guernsey Press reporter Mark Ogier struggling to take notes. Pic by Sophie Rabey (25940646)
Pic by Sophie Rabey (25940649)
Pic by Sophie Rabey (25940651)
Pic by Sophie Rabey. (25940653)
Pic by Sophie Rabey (25940655)
Pic by Sophie Rabey (25940657)
Rosemary Sercombe and Tom Fitchett dancing in the flood waters along the quay. (Picture supplied) (25944161)

Civil defence volunteers manned diversions at the Weighbridge and Albert Pier end of the road from about 8.30pm, after Balthazar owner Steve Le Poidevin called police.

He said the road needed to be closed since drivers were going too fast, leading to waves causing additional problems for businesses.

The establishment's cellar was used to take in flood water before being pumped out, but unfortunately the pump had broken down.

'The cellar's full of water,' said Me Le Poidevin, who had asked for a new pump to be brought down.

The bistro opened about 10 months ago and this was the first time it had been flooded since.

But a flood was not a new experience at the Taj Indian restaurant: 'This is the third time we've been flooded in five years,' said manager Raj Hussain.

There was a drain on the ground floor, but water was actually coming up through it on this occasion.

Fortunately, customers at the various establishments did not seem too bothered by the water, with many coming to the front doors to look at the scene and one or two even venturing outside to perch on seats while they had a drink or a cigarette. Some even decided to try the water directly and had a paddle.

A tide warning has been issued for 9.25pm tonight for the west coast. Waves breaking over the sea walls are expected to cause problems with water and debris.