DRAGON’S Den star Deborah Meaden says she has been deeply moved by the plight of farmers and other victims of flooding on the Somerset Levels.

Somerset entrepreneur Deborah was at the Sedgemoor Auction Centre in North Petherton yesterday, to see more than ten tonnes of feed brought in for distribution to farmers whose land on the Somerset Levels has been flooded.

 

 

She said: “It is hard to imagine what they have been going through since thefloods hit here weeks ago. 

“It’s bad enough to be flooded out of your home – but the worry about the welfare of the livestock and other animals has been a real concern.

“I just want to say thank you to everyone who has contributed from individuals to big businesses – the support is much appreciated.”

James Winslade, from Burrowbridge, whose farm has been under water for eight weeks, said: “It has been a terrible time for farmers here on The Levels – and we don’t forget those affected in other parts of the country too – but the devastation that we have all had to face has been heart wrenching. 

“The response from everyone both here in the West Country and further afield has been amazing and, at times, overwhelming.”

The feed brought to the Auction Centre yesterday came from animal feed manufacturers Dodson and Horrell and James added: “The donation from Dodson and Horrell is very generous and the cattle and horse feed donated will help all the affected farmers enormously in the difficult months ahead."

Sam Horrell, the company’s marketing director, said: “Anything we can do to help the plight of farmers in the West Country at this very difficult time is a bonus; what they have had to endure is unbelievable and hopefully this donation will help in some small way.”

Anyone who wants to provide fodder and bedding should email south.west@nfu.org.uk or phone 01392-440700 so all offers can be logged and matched up with those in need.