The major incident declared by the Local Resilience Forum (LRF) in response to the widespread flooding in Northamptonshire has been stood down.
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 Wednesday (November 27).
Over the past week, the LRF – involving Northamptonshire Police, Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service, North Northamptonshire Council, West Northamptonshire Council and the Environment Agency – have been working together to provide a robust, multi-agency response which protects our communities across the county.
Today (November 29), the Environment Agency has reported that the river levels are nearly back to normal with the Northampton Washlands down to 30% full and continuing to drain.
In West Northamptonshire, the flood warning has been removed from Billing Aquadrome. Those with accommodation at the site cannot return until advised to do so by the site management company.
In North Northamptonshire, the severe flood warning has been removed from Yarwell Mill after water levels peaked at the site at 9.30pm last night (November 28) and continue to fall. However, residents at the site should also not return until advised to do by the site management company.
A number of people from both sites have been supported by both West and North Northamptonshire Councils who have provided those displaced with rest centres and other provisions.
As a result of the clearer picture going into the weekend, the LRF has made the decision to stand down the major incident and move into the recovery stage of their multi-agency response.
Superintendent Steve Freeman, who is heading the response to the flooding through the Local Resilience Forum (LRF) said: “Since we declared a major incident on Monday, the LRF has been working hard to keep our communities safe, support those who have been displaced as a result of the flooding, as well as trying to minimise disruption to the wider public and local businesses.
“The water levels we have seen this week have been higher than that of the 1998 floods, which just goes to show the work everyone has put in to ensure that everyone in the county has been kept safe.
“I’m grateful for everyone’s work and I’d also like to thank the wider public for their cooperation, support and understanding.
“We have now made the decision to stand down the major incident but remain ready to react should the situation change.
“Our focus now will be to move onto the recovery phase of our response however I would still encourage anyone with any concerns to contact the relevant LRF agency who will be happy to help.”
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)
