The nearest petrol station to Moorland in Somerset, where residents have had to be evacuated because of flooding, has actually seen an increase in business since the start of the year.

Christopher Duckworth, who manages the BP petrol station at Bridgwater, said the floodwaters were about two miles away, and they had not affected his site.

He added that since a decision after Christmas to match the prices of the Morrisons in the town, takings had actually increased.

He said: “The roads were particularly bad on Wednesday after the rain and that caused a bit of disruption to deliveries, but the only time we had to close was for the two days before Christmas when BP couldn’t get through.

“I think the people from Moorland have been pleased that we have been here to serve them.”