Worksop residents try and pick up the pieces in wake of Storm Babet flood misery

The torrential rain on Friday and Saturday wreaked havoc across the region with Nottinghamshire county council declaring a major incident – with about 200 properties evacuated across the county.

The River Ryton burst its banks causing chaos in and around Worksop Town Centre and disruption to the road networks, buses, and trains.

And while cleanup operations get under way in some of the worst-hit areas a number of flood warnings remain in place in the wake of more downpours.

Hardship funding is now available to those whose homes have been affected by flooding.

But some residents are questioning why preventative measures were not taken before the storm hit.

Posting on Facebook resident Jo Cooper said: “If Bassetlaw Council/Notts Council or who ever deal with flood alerts knew about the storm in advance why aren’t they dishing out sand bags?

"I’ve seen loads of posts asking for help with sand bags! Those poor poor people again are dealing with apparently a once ‘in a 150 year’ floods! I’m feeling for everyone one of them! Not fair!!!”

Councillor Jo White deputy leader of Bassetlaw District Council and Labour's prospective parliamentary candidate for Bassetlaw is calling for work to urgently start on flood alleviation schemes in Worksop and Retford.

She said: "It has been utterly heartbreaking, I have been with people who have been in tears of frustration and distress as their homes have been ruined yet again by flooding.

“The community response has been amazing and I have witnessed neighbours helping and supporting each other as they have fought to protect their properties from the onslaught of water.

“I wish to thank the emergency services for their dedication, working long hours to ensure people are safe and have the reassurance and support that they need.

“I have emailed the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Therese Coffey calling for the flood alleviation schemes that have already been devised for Retford and Worksop to be fully funded and for the work to be urgently started. These works should have happened already.”

Jonathan Stoner, owner of Ignite Strength and Fitness gym was amongst the Worksop businesses affected by the floods.

Mr Stoner said water started flooding into his building in Central Avenue at midday on Saturday and by 9pm the gym was 2 feet under water with water continuing to flow in.

He has now launched a fundraising mission in a bid to keep his business going.

Posting on his GoFundMe page he wrote: “I have owned this gym now for five years, in this time I've faced so many battles that would have potentially made others give up. Floods five years ago, covid 19 lockdowns and now a second round of floods!!

“Im asking for donations to help me fund for all that's lost, to be able to reopen the doors and to continue.”

Residents who need support or have flood damaged items that need removing should contact 01909 533 533, weekdays between 9am and 5pm.

Nottinghamshire County Council can provide a Floods Hardship Fund

To donate to the fundraising page for residents affected by the floods click here

To donate to support Ignite Strength and Fitness gym visit