Bus firm praise community spirit after devastating flood

A family-run bus company praised the community spirit as they recovered from a scene of devastation caused by flash flooding.

Heavy rainfall on Saturday evening caused major problems for villagers living in Sutton-on-Trent, with Marshalls Coaches among those badly affected..

However despite the torrid weather conditions causing havoc at their yard, based off Main Street, staff, family and friends rallied to get them up-and-running once again

Mr Jacob Marshall, the workshop foreman at the bus firm, said it was a desperate situation when he arrived at the yard.

"I got the call last night to tell me what was happening and the water was coming in - but I didn't expect it to be as bad as it was," he said.

"The whole yard was submerged and on the double deckers the water was going half way up the stairs it was so deep.

"It was heartbreaking for me and the whole staff - when we came in every bus was a mud bath - it was really a scene of devastation."

He said they dotted a number of buses to various points around the village to keep them away from the carnage.

Around 20 people came to help with the mass clean up throughout the day.
"I could have cried last night," Mr Marshall said. "But it was one of those situations where everyone got stuck in and got the job done."

"We've had people come from left, right and centre to try and help us in different ways -from bringing a mop to making us teas.

"I just want to say a big thank you to everyone who helped - we were thinking the worst but everyone chipped in.

"The biggest problem we had was all the buses were in mud, so to get them started we had to go underneath to stop the engines from filling with water.

"We've mopped up one bus eight times and cleaned it every way we can - its still not 100% right but it is a lot better than it was.

The company will be able to run a full service of buses on Monday, which include the 90 service between Newark and Nottingham as well as the 37 service between Newark and Retford.

Coach firm Paul S Winson from Loughborough loaned a double decker for the week in case they encounter any more issues.

Mr Marshall said: "When I got into work I though there was no way we would be able to get a service running or get the buses to any kind of standard."

"After all that's happened - to get a full service up and running for Monday morning is fantastic.

"It's a testament to all the hard work from everyone who has been there for us."