Northamptonshire’s Local Resilience Forum (LRF) continue to work together to deliver a robust, multi-agency response to the flooding across the county.
A major incident was declared on Monday (November 25) following significant rainfall throughout the weekend as a result of Storm Bert. Rain also fell overnight from Tuesday (November 26) into today (Wednesday, November 27).
Although the rain levels this morning are less than expected and drier weather is expected over the next few days, the Local Resilience Forum (LRF) – involving Northamptonshire Police, Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service, North Northamptonshire Council, West Northamptonshire Council and the Environment Agency – continue to work together to support those who have been displaced as a result of the flooding as well working to keep our communities across the county safe.
Although the severe flood warning has been removed from Billing Aquadrome in Northampton, the site is still heavily flooded and residents should not return until they are advised to do so by the site management company.
Over the past few days, more than 1,000 people have had to leave the site, supported by West Northamptonshire Council, and more than 150 caravans have been significantly affected by flood water.
In North Northamptonshire, the Environment Agency is expecting water levels at Yarwell Mill to reach their peak over the next six hours. North Northamptonshire Council has been in regular contact with the site’s management company since the weekend and stand ready to support residents who have been advised to evacuate with a rest centre and other provisions.
Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service has not had to deploy crews to any flooding related incidents today (November 27) – but is working with partners to ensure sufficient resources are in place to deal with any flooding incidents that it may be required to attend, including at Yarwell Mill.
The Fire Service is reminding people to consider the hidden dangers of flood water, and not to attempt to enter it either on foot or in a vehicle.
The Environment Agency is continuing to monitor the situation with drones carrying out aerial surveys of the River Nene as the peak moves through the catchment as well as creating capacity in the Northampton Washlands by carefully releasing flood water, helping to mitigate the risk of flooding to communities and businesses.
Road closures remain in place across the county with continued disruption to public transport. All trains from Northampton station remain cancelled today with Network Rail working hard to reinstate service.
Although drier weather is expected over the next few days, the multi-agency response continues to treat the flooding as a major incident.
Superintendent Steve Freeman, who is heading the response to the flooding through the Local Resilience Forum (LRF) said: “Just like the majority of people across the county, I welcome the news that we are expecting drier weather over the next few days, however our LRF response to this major incident continues at pace and we continue to work hard to respond to the flooding.
“Although the severe weather warning has been removed from Billing Aquadrome, there is a still a lot of water in the area and residents should not return until this water dries up, hopefully towards the end of the week, although the situation is constantly being monitored.
“Whilst I don’t underestimate the impact it is having on people who have been forced to evacuate their accommodation, both at Billing and at Yarwell Mill, this has been done with people’s safety in mind and I’d like to thank everyone there for their cooperation.
“I’d also like to again thank the wider community in Northamptonshire for their patience during this time. We are working hard as a partnership to respond to this situation and we hope to be able to move into the recovery phase of our response very soon.
“Anyone with any concerns is encouraged to contact the relevant LRF agency who will be happy to help.”
People are still being asked to follow safety advice including checking travel information before setting off, driving appropriately for the road conditions, and being prepared to meet standing water, with motorists warned against entering it or trying to drive through it.
Please do not attempt to drive through road closures or wade through deep flood water. This not only puts your safety at risk but could also put the people rescuing you at risk, as well as resulting in some very costly repairs to your vehicle.
Our communities are asked to remain alert, be prepared and sign up to receive free flood warnings by calling 0345 988 1188 or visiting www.gov.uk/flood.
Flood reports can be submitted at:
West Northants: https://www.westnorthants.gov.uk/its-emergency/report-flood
North Northants: https://www.northnorthants.gov.uk/flooding
You can report other highways issues to Street Doctor services:
West Northants area: https://www.westnorthants.gov.uk/roads-and-paths-maintenance/report-potholes-or-highway-problem
North Northants area: https://www.northnorthants.gov.uk/parking-roads-and-transport/report-potholes-or-highway-problem
Useful information:
Follow the Met Office for up-to-date weather reports and warnings where you live: https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/forecast/gcr35qpbd#?date=2024-11-24
Sign up for flood warnings at www.environment-agency.gov.uk and you can find up-to-date warnings and information regarding the floods at https://check-for-flooding.service.gov.uk/
Find out what to do after you’ve experienced flooding here: Flood recovery | West Northamptonshire Council
What to do before or during a flood: What to do before or during a flood – GOV.UK
In an emergency, where life is at risk, please call 999.
Fire Risk Assessment (worked example for House in Multiple Occupation (HMO)) (PDF 389KB)
