Wraysbury flooding forces vulnerable residents out of homes

Vulnerable residents living in parts of a flood-hit village have had to leave their homes.

Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead (RBWM) said the decision to evacuate those with additional needs in Wraysbury was taken on Monday night.

Residents, whose homes have been most affected by floodwater, are being helped from their homes by firefighters and social care staff.

The council said moving residents out of the village was ongoing.

Those who have had to leave are being taken to safe alternative accommodation, the council said.

A rest centre has also been set up at Windsor Leisure Centre for any residents who need somewhere warm and dry to go because of flooding in their homes.

People who do not live in the village are being urged not travel through Wraysbury as many roads remain impassable and traffic has been "causing issues for the flooding situation in the village", the council said.

Wraysbury Primary School has also been closed to keep pupils, parents and teachers safe during the flooding in the wider area.

RBWM said: "This decision was made on our recommendation, while we continue to respond with partners to this evolving situation."

Berkshire has been hit by severe flooding over the last few days, with several flood warnings currently in place.

Carolyn Richardson, the emergency planning officer for West Berkshire Council, said : "It's still serious across the area.

"Certainly the risk of new flooding is perhaps slowing down in the West Berkshire area and the rivers there are starting to stabilise and reduce.

"But in the east, in the Windsor and Maidenhead area, the levels of the Thames and Colnbrook are still very high as it's moving through - there are still significant issues with the rivers.

"We've experienced flooding in areas that we haven't in the past this year which is challenging."

Elsewhere Cookham Causeway is being opened only at set times, dependent on water levels, for vehicles and pedestrians to access the village.

Residents who are worried about their homes are urged to check the Environment Agency website for more information and help.

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