‘Lives at risk’ severe flood warning in Bedfordshire as storm Bella threatens more disruption

Cogenhoe Mill Caravan Site, and the River Nene at Billing Aquadrome with nearby business parks are also covered by the warnings.

The Bedford area is one of three places covered by a severe flood warning on Boxing Day, meaning lives are at risk.

The Environment Agency said there had been heavy rain across the Great Ouse catchment and more was expected, bringing “significant disruption to the community” and also possibly affecting electricity services.

Also covered by severe flood warnings are the Cogenhoe Mill Caravan Site, and the River Nene at Billing Aquadrome with nearby business parks.

Christmas Day saw flooding which forced hundreds of residents in parts of Bedfordshire to flee their homes after the river burst its banks and water flooded on to bridges and roads.

Flood Update: A number of flood warnings remain in place in the Borough with significant levels of floodwaters passing through Kempston and Bedford. Please take measures to keep safe.

To find out more: https://t.co/3io8asspFx pic.twitter.com/VJtOCF3s2o

— Bedford Borough Council (@BedfordTweets) December 25, 2020

Also, more than a thousand people were forced to flee the Billing Aquadrome holiday park in the county of Northamptonshire on Christmas Eve when severe flood warnings were put in place for the River Nene.

Northamptonshire Police said water had reached 5ft high in some places, with emergency services using boats to take residents in the worst-hit areas to safety.

Detective Superintendent Jamie Piscopo said: “Emergency services are working hard to ensure residents can return to the site as soon as possible, however it is not currently safe to do so.