February 16, 2001 9:25: VILLAGERS have rallied round to help each other after floods devastated the Chalfonts causing thousands of pounds of damage to businesses and homes.

Residents in Chalfont St Giles and and Chalfont St Peter pulled together to keep the community going after the River Misbourne burst its banks on Monday, following a heavy storm.

Sally Peck, who owns Sally P Boutique in the High Street, Chalfont St Giles, has been bombarded with calls from people offering to help.

Many have waded through the water to help her clear up the damage caused by the floods.

She said: "One of my friends had made sandbags herself especially for me. It was quite a sight as she was so small and was carrying these huge heavy bags and water was coming over her wellies.

"It was incredible. I was amazed at the amount of phone calls and the spirit in the community was amazing. They are so special."

Paul Prokopiou, manager of The Frost Partnership in the High Street, Chalfont St Peter, has been helping residents to collect their groceries.

He said: "I am wading through the water in my wellies and have been seeing residents walk around in just their shoes. I have stopped them and offered to collect their groceries for them as I am sure they will get so soaked. The water is about a foot deep.

"I am not the only person doing that either. People are also helping to lay the sandbags. It is great to see the community pulling together. The postman is still making sure we are getting our letters as well."

Mr Prokopiou has had to move his staff to the Chalfont St Giles branch as the water has come up through the floorboards. He added: "We thought we were so clever putting the sandbags out the front but the water has come up from underneath."

Residents had the shock of their lives after waking up on Monday to find the Chalfonts affected by the worst floods in years.

Colin Watkins, the manager of the Greyhound pub, High Street, Chalfont St Peter, said people couldn't even get in to his pub because the water was so high.

He said: "It was 18 inches on Monday and was enough to cover our wellies.

"It hasn't gone down much at all and all the floor has lifted.

"It hasn't just been the flooding. We have had to throw out all the booze and food as we have had problems with the sewage as well.

"It really is going to cost a fortune.

"We have five pumps but nowhere to pump it into. At the moment we have no heating, no hot water and no cooking facilities.

"I am not too happy."

A spokesman for the Environment Agency, said: "There was 21 mm of rain on Monday.

"The River Misbourne is now on watch, but the levels are receding and below standby levels but still above normal levels.

"The river rose 100mm but because it was already full, it caused the flooding.

"It is incredible that the Misbourne hasn't flowed its full strength since September, but it is now."