06/02/2014 BBC Points West

Good evening. it is time for the news where

Good evening. The Royal Marines have been called

in to Somerset tonight to help stop water pouring into people's homes as

more heavy rain hits the region Two severe flood warnings remain in

place on the Somerset Levels, where more than 40 homes have now fallen

victim to the rising floodwaters. Well, let's get the latest picture

from Jon Kay who's been in the centre of the worst`hit areas.

This is the first time we have seen the military boots on the ground in

action as part of the response to this flooding crisis in Somerset.

These guys are from 40 commando Royal Marines, sandbagging here

There were taking `` they are protecting property and trying to

prevent the river from over spelling and damaging homes. Let's speak to

Captain Tristram Stuart. Can you tell us what is happening tonight.

The Royal Navy alongside Navy counterparts in working with

Somerset County Council and assessing and looking at the floods

here and to military can be used. Last Thursday, we were stood up to

react to any issues in any way we can help. Today at 1600 we were

given our fast task and that was here as you have said. We are

looking to sandbag this area to ensure no flooding continues. If we

turn in this way, I can show you the river is... Well, it is incredibly

full. It should be much further back here but it is hard to see, although

it is right next to us here. That is why it is so important these

properties are protected. Captain, tell me, will we see more of this?

This is the first task we have been given and we will see if any more

comes. The most important thing is that Somerset and the county has

been so helpful to us and really supported us through the deployment.

For us to give back to the community is a fantastic opportunity for us.

How long will this take? We have been here for 2`3 hours. We are

making for one more truckload to come and then we will wait for

further tasking. Let me show you the most grateful people around. This is

the home right next to the River Tone. That is what this is about.

Protecting not just as property but many others along this river.

For those living in the midst of miles and miles of standing water,

every day has become a constant battle against rising levels. Our

reporter Scott Ellis has spent the day in North Moor where people have

been struggling to keep their homes safe and they're simply not winning.

Suddenly it is the time of the motherland and Ford gates to try and

stop floodlighting. The nearby River Parrett rose eight inches

overnight. The River Tone is at an all`time high. No wonder tempers

flare. You want to go and see how bad it is, it would make you cry.

There is a bloody fortune being paid and they are not doing anything I

tell you what, it makes you wonder why do you bother farming. This area

is all but cut off to all but the emergency services. Nearby,

residents stayed overnight despite warnings. With more rain on the way,

others decided to leave today. It is terrible. I have never been through

this before. My neighbours lived in the village for over 40 years and

have never seen anything like it before. The advice from the police

is still to leave. This woman says she will stay until her house

floods. We have power but we cannot use the toilets. We cannot shower.

It is difficult but we are coping. We join this local council as he

returned to his home this morning to find it a wash. I feel just the same

as any other resident. Totally let down by successive governments who

have not letting `` putting money into flood relief in this area. The

Environment Agency says it welcomes the ?10 million pledged by the

Government to tackle flooding on the Somerset levels. But that will help

only in future years. Here, the problems are more immediate. Rain is

once again on the horizon. Scott Ellis reporting.

Also today, farmers on the levels have been scrambling to save their

livestock from the floods. More than 500 cattle were evacuated from James

Winslade's farm in Moorlands. They were taken to dry land at Sedgemoor

Auction Centre where they're being kept as a temporary measure. The

whole situation was treacherous as the floodwaters made it impossible

to tell roads and ditches apart The farmers said they desperately needed

outside help but none was forthcoming.

Flood defences are also being put into action in Wiltshire this

evening. Special fencing and pumps have been deployed in

Bradford`on`Avon to protect homes and businesses on Silver Street

many of which were flooded just before Christmas. Water levels are

expected to peak there on the River Avon around ten o'clock tomorrow

morning. An aristocrat from Gloucestershire

has been jailed for two years for assaulting his wife over a 20`year

period. Lord Edward Somerset, who's the second son of the Duke of

Beaufort, appeared at Bristol Crown Court where he was described as an

alcoholic and drug addict. The 55`year`old had kicked and punched

his wife, pulled her hair and scratched her. The judge ordered him

not to contact her. Troops from the 2nd Royal Tank

Regiment paraded through Bristol today to mark their return from

Afghanistan. The Wiltshire`based regiment spent seven months in the

country, helping the Afghan army as they prepare to take over the

country at the end of this year There's more news and information

online and on your BBC local radio station. They'll have the latest on

the flooding. We'll be back in Breakfast tomorrow morning, but now

let's take a look at the weather forecast with Ian.

The amber warning from the Met Office for heavy rain continues

through the course tomorrow and indeed into the weekend. For the

time being, the rainfall radar has been showing the extent of the

green. This next cluster is coming up and looks like it will track into

the catchment for the Levels with heavy rainfall. Temperatures down to

4`5 Celsius. Tomorrow, the rain will clear away with windy conditions

first thing. A vastly improved story all`round during daylight hours

Sony weathers and it will `` it is sunny and it will feel quite

pleasant. Rain will start to move on from the West again into the course

of the evening. Temperatures tomorrow for what it is worth around

8`9 Celsius. Looking further ahead, again, all focus on these amber

warnings. The vein is an issue on Friday and Saturday but the winds in

particular are problematic. To Hello. I think the impact of this

wet weather could be felt more widely as time goes