Fight to clear mud as new deluge looms

THE big clean-up started yesterday after Storm Bert brought chaos - but forecasters warned of more downpours and flooding.

- Chris Riches

The weekend's deluge resulted in a major incident in South Wales, hundreds of homes underwater, roads transformed into rivers and 80mph gusts downing power lines.

The storm claimed five lives, including a man in his 80s who died after his car entered water at a ford in Colne, Lancashire.

Anguished residents fear the chaos will not be cleared by Christmas, as Environment Secretary Steve Reed said flood defences were in the "worst condition on record".

Fears

The Met Office warned that heavy showers early tomorrow are set to soak the south of England, sparking fresh flooding fears.

Some 128 flood warnings and 157 alerts remained in place last night across England, Scotland and Wales.