Forecasters say that the worst of the severe weather that caused power loss and flooding over the Christmas and New Year period is over.

The partly re-surfaced Hambledon Lane has taken a pounding and deep gullies have opened up on either side of some stretches, now marked with a succession of cones. The new surface has broken and bulged in places and, at the Hydestile end, the old surface is in a dreadful state following flooding. Work has yet to restart on finishing the resurfacing, but it is clear that contractors will need to revisit some parts already completed.

Only ducks seems to have enjoyed the miserable weather, with several pairs taking up residence on the “lake” that has formed in the field at Hydestile.

This has continued to expand and is several feet deep in the middle. Its margins are in the deep grass, giving the field a fenland appearance.