Norfolk Broads villages deal with floods after Storm Ciarán

With flood warnings continuing until Saturday and more heavy rain forecast, Potter Heigham and Horning are some of the worst affected places in the county.

On Friday morning, the flood barrier inside Lathams car park was raised, trapping some vehicles parked by Herbert Woods.

For voluntary flood warden Paul Rice, it was a decision not taken lightly.

Voluntary flood warning Paul Rice by the flooded Lathams car park in Potter Heigham. Picture - James Weeds (Image: James Weeds)"We have to constantly weigh up the possibility of damage to personal vehicles and the potential damage to the Lathams stores," he said.

Barriers were taken down during low tide to allow vehicles to exit from the car park. Staff from Herbert Woods used their own pumps to help remove standing water from the area.

Lathams discount store was temporarily closed during the morning while staff cleared excess water. The shop re-opened by noon.

Mr Rice added that "lessons were being learnt" from the flooding.

"Certain things need to be done and there has to be more authority involvement," he said.

"Tonight and tomorrow is still a big concern, but we're trying. At the moment, we can't see where the water is going to go. But there's been some great cooperation down here with different people and businesses. Between us all, we'll get there."

The flooded Lathams car park in Potter Heigham. Picture - James Weeds (Image: James Weeds)

Another business which has suffered as a result of the relentlessly high water levels is Nippy Chippy on Bridge Road. With water seeping into the underfloor extractors, the takeaway shop has been closed for a week.

Nippy Chippy manager Liam Chipperfield. Picture - James Weeds (Image: James Weeds)Manager Liam Chipperfield said: "The flood water is coming back as quick as we pump it out. It's a bit of a worry.

"We feel the premises itself is reasonably safe. We've sourced sand bags ourselves and put them in place, so I feel sure we won't get too much flood damage. But standing water being splashed onto the side of the building by passing cars is a concern."

While the shop remains closed, the mobile takeaway will be at the Heathlands Social Club and Community Centre from 4.30pm on Friday.

A car driving on the submerged quay in Horning. Picture - James Weeds (Image: James Weeds)Over in Horning, Lucy Bonner from Norfolk Boat Hire said many car owners have had to be pulled out of high water.

The quay beside her boatyard remains completely submerged.

"It's not been this bad since 1993," said Ms Bonner. "And I've seen people rowing on the flood water like they did back then.

A submerged car on Ferry Road, Horning. Picture - Denise Bradley (Image: Denise Bradley)"Our road has been covered well over a week, and it has turned people away from hiring - even during the half-term holiday. I feel for the Ferry Inn. The clean-up there is going to be huge.

"But people are banding together. We've helped people retrieve their luggage and even towed a car out of here the other day."

North Norfolk MP Duncan Baker down Ferry Road, Horning. Picture - James Weeds (Image: James Weeds)North Norfolk MP Duncan Baker visited some of the worst-hit places throughout the day. While visiting the entirely submerged Ferry Road in Horning, Mr Baker said a more proactive response is needed against future flooding.

"My biggest call is that we’ve got to invest far more money into the County Council and its flood resilience team," he said.

"Flood resilience needs to be on par with highways and social care issues. Significant funding is needed, and the County Council is not doing that.

"Everywhere connected to the Broads has been affected. And this will happen more and more, and unless we treat this on par with other issues, it will keep on happening.

"We've been too reactive and we now need to be proactive."

As Broads villages continue to feel the effects of flooding, the Met Office has forecast persistent rain to continue into the weekend.