TORRENTIAL rain on Wednesday led to widespread flooding in Haslemere - blocking roads and leaving cars stuck in water several inches deep. Two drivers got stuck in the flood at Scotland Lane, Shepherd's Hill, after the engines of the car and the van they were driving cut out as they ventured through the deep water. The AA was called, but its repairman was unable to tow the vehicles out, prompting the van driver to call a friend - Robin Carter of Timber Resources in Milland. At the scene, Mr Carter told The Herald: "He knows I have a 4x4 and a winch. Unfortunately, I couldn't help the lady with her car because she couldn't find the tow bar. "I think the police should have been here as it's a real hazard." Police had sealed off part of Wey Hill due to flooding on the road near the railway bridge. Staff from Surrey Highways Partnership were brought in to unblock drains in the road that were overflowing after the deluge. An employee, who did not wish to be named said: "It's not our fault that the drains are blocked. At this time of year leaves get into them and the rain we have had today is like monsoon weather. The drains just cannot handle that amount of rainfall in one go." The road was re-opened just after noon. A Haslemere fire crew was called out to All Saints Church, Grayswood, at 1-30 pm to pump water out of the basement. But despite the heavy rain, both Surrey ambulance and fire services were largely untroubled by the flooding. An ambulance spokesman said: "Although there has been flooding it has not caused any problems responding to emergencies, and there have also been no emergencies relating to the flooding. "Usually during floods we are faced with traffic collisions, so the fact we have been quiet obviously means drivers are taking it carefully." A fire and rescue service spokesman said it had received no other calls related to the flooding.
