GYPSY families who lost their homes in floods last year packed up all their belongings this week ready to leave in fear that heavy rain would cause flooding again.
The Dearne and Dove rivers were high yesterday and flood victims across Wombwell, Darfield and Low Valley were on hig alert.
Residents keeping close watch on the rivers said the Dearne rose two feet in under two hours on Tuesday, and the Dove came over into low-lying land in the country park in the evening.
The 10 families at the Ings site packed up all their photographs, ornaments, china and clothing in plastic boxes ready to flee the site which was totally washed out last summer.
Connie Smith, 72, said: “This is how we have to live now. I’ve bought lots of boxes and I’ve packed everything away. I can’t lose everything again. It’s not just me, everyone here’s packing up.
“I’ve hardly slept for days. I’m pacing up and down all the time. I just can’t relax. There’s just no way we can afford to replace things this time.
“My family have clubbed together and bought me a new chalet, furniture, washing machine and everything. But nobody will insure us for it and it’s just not fair.”
