STORM Imogen well and truly left its mark on north Wiltshire over the weekend.

Blossom trees were uprooted, football pitches waterlogged and phone masts broken.

Torrential downpours pounded the region with eight inches of rain recorded in some parts.

Almost out of nowhere Malmesbury was thrust into a perilous situation, with river levels rising to a concerning high on the Avon.

The town’s dedicated flood wardens were out monitoring the river on Saturday evening and keeping an eye on weather updates.

Being volunteers as they are, they deserve recognition for their selfless concern for the town.

The new flood defences in the town held off a disaster this time around, but it’s unnerving how close Malmesbury came to flooding.

One more night of heavy rain and we could well have been underwater.

Having had significant investment on the flood defences last year, it was hoped that would spell the end for flooding at the Town Bridge, so this near miss will alarm some residents.

While water levels have subsided now, more rain is due over the weekend so the defences will be put to the test again.

All fingers and toes are crossed the flood wardens have a quiet few days.