Homes and businesses in Witham have started the big clear-up after being deluged in dramatic flash floods.

Firefighters were called to Hawthorne Rise, Powers Hall End and Lime Close on Saturday, and residents in Spa Road reported torrents of water pouring down the playing fields, causing traffic chaos.

Newland Street was also flooded, leaving Witham Library closed while all carpets are replaced.

Cars were left floating in several feet of water in Freebournes Road, forcing one driver to climb out of his sunroof to safety.

Liam Bingle, 23, said: “Most of the flooded cars were parked in Freebournes Road, but a few who tried to go through ended up opening the doors and more or less swimming to the side roads.

“One man got out of his sun roof and sat on his car – the burgundy Mondeo in the photo.

“I was stuck at work on Wheaton Road all morning. People ended up driving over all of the grass verges to get across at about midday.

“I’ve never seen anything like it anywhere, not just in Witham.”

For the full story and more pictures, see this week's Witham Times.