With drought conditions declared across the county Sarah Clery, branch manager at Howden in Frome, warned that prolonged hot, dry weather could seriously affect homes, land, and the wider community. Ms Clery said: "While many people enjoy the sunshine, prolonged periods of hot, dry weather can have serious consequences for homes, land, and local communities. "Dry conditions can significantly increase the risk of wildfires, particularly near grassland, heathland and farmland." Subsidence was identified as a longer-term risk, particularly in clay-rich soils common across parts of England and Wales. Ms Clery warned that signs of subsidence can include cracks in walls, doors and windows becoming difficult to open or close, and tearing wallpaper.