Farm shop losing trade as flooding continues

The co-owner of a farm shop has said recent flooding and "misleading" road signage has been "extremely detrimental" to his trade.

Jack Musgrave, from The Mump Market Garden and Farm Shop in Burrowbridge, Somerset, said the business has gone from about 80 customers a day to five, with many people unaware the shop is still open.

Musgrave said he has been going across floodwater in a kayak to deliver boxes of vegetables to customers in surrounding villages who are still cut off.

A Somerset Council spokesperson said: "We're fully aware of the ongoing impact of flooding on many communities in Somerset, including businesses who have lost trade due to emergency road closures."

Somerset Council declared a major incident earlier this month following heavy rain and flooding caused by Storm Chandra.

Musgrave said due to a sign warning people of flood water on the A361 in Burrowbridge, people are avoiding his shop.

However, he says his shop is still accessible and the flooding is affecting the road further down from his business.

"It's the first time we've been massively impacted by the floods," he said.

"Obviously the Somerset Levels do flood quite commonly, but the amount of water that's fallen recently, it's the first time we've ever really been hit by it.

"We sometimes do take the kayaks out and go across to local areas… we find that easier and it's also a little bit of fun.

"It's extremely detrimental to our business, this flooding. If it carries on like this, I don't know how much longer we'll be able to keep open.

"The signage is not great around us. I think if people are driving through Othery and they see that road closed ahead sign they just turn around and they don't risk it."

He says customers could still reach the business if they divert. According to Musgrave, councils elsewhere have put up signs that indicate businesses are still open signs, but it has not happened for his shop.

The council added: "While our priority is to keep people safe and away from roads which are flooded, we are happy to review the signage leading into Burrowbridge.

"We will also be looking at how we promote Somerset as a place to visit as part of recovery once the major incident is over."

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