From the 1960s onwards, the High Street was often flooded, with poor drainage causing water to accumulate in the dip.

But the mother of all floods happened during the great storm of Friday, July 19, 2007, when about 98mm of rain fell  in just one day – over twice the monthly average.

The High Street was left under water, with the drainage problems making matters worse, and many businesses were devastated. Firefighters carried residents living above the street’s shops to safety, including Nellie Copson (see separate entry).  

Pictures of the High Street made many of the UK’s national papers.

The leisure centre and 42 homes in Vines Lane, Hunters Way, The Firs and Swan Drive were also affected. Some residents were taken to a rest centre set up in Droitwich Community Hall, which also housed motorists who had become stranded on the M5.

Click here for an interview with High Street traders in the aftermath of the floods