Until their examination is finished, the future of the hotel is undecided, licensee Tom Greene said.

He said it was heartbreaking when a surge of floodwater burst through the rooms at the height of the recent deluge.

“The engineers tell us the building is unsafe as they examine it,” Mr Greene said.

Asked if all or part of the inn might have to be demolished, he said every possibility would be examined once the engineers had made their report.

“The flood damage was pretty severe and we don’t yet know the full extent of this or how it might affect the fate of the building,” Mr Greene said.

“But whatever decision is made, the inn will reopen.

Mr Greene said the force of the water had undermined part of the structure and the building had been moved substantially.

“Floors on the top half of the hotel have been sprung and nobody is allowed in, except workers.

“I saw a flood of water coming down High Street and the level was nearly a metre high at the front door.

“All ground floor rooms were flooded and there is still an amount of water within the walls here.”

Then the hotel lost its power.

“I saw water running down the stairs,” Mr Greene said.

“It was nearly 30mm deep and kept building up.  

“So I opened the front door and it poured out into the street.

“I have never experienced anything like this in my life.

“But, in spite of everything, I am sure we will be reopening again at some stage. And our customers are very supportive.”