Broxburn pensioner reveals devastation left by flooding

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) received calls to “significant flooding” incidents in West Lothian due to heavy rain on Thursday evening.

A West Lothian pensioner has revealed the devastation caused when her house was overcome by floodwater yesterday evening.

Residents from 14 properties in Pyothall Court in Broxburn, West Lothian, had to be rescued from their homes by firefighters with boats after flood defences at the nearby Brox Burn failed after days of heavy rain.

Jean Hendrie, 70, had to leave her home in there after water broke over a flood wall and poured into the property, and has gone to stay with her daughter.

Jean Hendrie and William Craik cleaning their house in Pyothall Court in Broxburn, West Lothian after flooding.

She told the PA news agency: “Everything in the living room is ruined, the water was up to our knees. The carpets are ruined, the floors are ruined.

“The rain came on really heavy at about 5pm and there is a burn behind the flood wall and the water came right over the wall.

“One of my neighbours was flooded and the water came right up to her kitchen worktops, and there are cars that are written off,” she said.

“We will not be able to stay here as the electricity is off, the carpet is soaked, there is silt everywhere.”

A drawer in Jean Hendrie and William Craik's house in Pyothall Court in Broxburn, West Lothian after flooding.

She said nothing like this has happened in the 21 years she has lived there.

SFRS said it had worked with other emergency services and local authorities to support those affected.

Pictures posted on social media showed cars deep in floodwater and bins floating down the street.

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