Bedfordshire flooding: Water levels pass 'peak' but warnings remain

Water levels have passed their peak in Bedford but a a severe flood warning remains in place, a mayor said.

People in more than 1,300 properties along the River Great Ouse in Bedfordshire were advised to leave as two evacuation centres were set up

Some residents formed makeshift defences on Christmas Day in a bid to hold back the water.

Bedford Mayor Dave Hodgson said levels were now "receding" but significant floodwaters remained.

"The peak of the water levels have now passed through Bedford but our officers continue to be out monitoring the peak as it moves east and responding to requests for assistance," he said.

"Floodwaters remain across Bedford borough so please take care and if you are going out please avoid them, they may be deeper than you think or contain unseen hazards."

Up to 40 homes were flooded on Thursday in Witney, Oxfordshire, where the Environment Agency has warned that river levels are still rising.

The council said an emergency assistance centre remained opened at Bedford International Athletic stadium.

Gary Huntley, Franco Felice and Adrian Coleman dug a trench between two trees along the banks of the River Great Ouse on Christmas Day.

As the night wore on, they said they were joined between 30 and 40 other residents from Tennyson Road and The Embankment. who helped with the digging and provided hot drinks.

Mr Huntley, 51, a boot camp coach, said: "We just had Christmas Dinner when Franco, my next door neighbour, said we were going to get flooded.

"We worked until three, had a break and came back out again at six. Fortunately, the level has dropped this morning."

Paul Fuller, chief fire officer for Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue, said it was a "dreadful situation".

"People have had a terrible time. We've had all the measures in place to protect people from the spread of the virus," he said.

"It was Christmas Day yesterday, Boxing Day today, our hearts just go out to people that have now - with all that going on - had some of the highest levels of floods for over 20 years."

The council said people who had been contacted and asked to evacuate were "permitted to go to other people's homes".

Bedfordshire is currently under "tier four - stay at home" Covid restrictions, which bans household mixing.

Bedfordshire Police said the flooding situation "over-rides the current Covid-19 regulations".

Jan Schofield, who lives beside the river on The Embankment, said she had been prepared to evacuate if needed.

"The neighbours were superb," she said. "They were digging the ditch over the road and filling sandbags.

"Because of WhatsApp groups that were set-up for Covid, it was really quick to get everyone together and act.

"It was a concern to see the rising water as it got darker. I'm less concerned now it's daylight."

Reece Wood, who also lives nearby with his family, said: "It was not the Christmas anyone was expecting, but it was great that everyone pulled together."

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