A BRIDGWATER man has spoken out about how his home insurance was affected by the Somerset floods.

Victor Satchell, who lives in Chadmead with his partner Alison, suffered extensive flooding damage to his home in February 2014.

As a result, the cost of his house insurance rose, and with a large flood excess, to which Victor says was 'devastating.'

"Our home was severely flooded in February 2014, overnight on the 13 to the 14." he said.

"The total ground floor went and everything had to be stripped out.

"I was allowed to do it myself because I'm in the building trade, but it was a big job.

"We couldn't live in our house for ten months, and we'd been there since 2003.

"We were forewarned that we were going to get a few inches of water, but it was terrible."

Although Victor knew the insurance would be affected, he said he was 'unhappy' as the flood was caused by human error.

"Our insurance was due in the April 2014," he said.

"It cost £1155, but the following year in 2015 we were told it would be £2087.

"We were also hit with an excess of £5000, so if we flooded again we would have to pay the first £5000.

"It was devastating because the flood was caused by human error, with somebody just not turning the pumps on.

"Prior to this flood, apparently there wasn't a flood here for 200 years and it's the only flooding we've experienced in the area.

"We approached Flood Re, to see if they cold help with our insurance, and they managed to get it down to just £2080, with only £250 excess.

"This year, it's only £1471 and our case has been handled brilliantly.

"Our neighbour still hasn't been able to move back into the house."

Although the flooding caused damage, Victor is thankful it wasn't worse.

"I always wanted an indoor swimming pool," he said.

"It gave us an excuse to decorate and we're thankful it wasn't worse.

"Our house was the last to go in the village and we felt a bit like the forgotten community.

"The emergency services had a terrible time getting to us, but FLAG helped.

"We had 14 inches of water and in the building trade you've seen it all before, so I can think positively."