Billing Aquadrome evacuation

Heavy rain brought by the storm has resulted in flood warnings due to high levels on the River Nene and the Northamptonshire Washlands reservoir, where water flow downstream is being controlled by the Environment Agency to minimise risk to life and property.

The Environment Agency has put strong stream advice in place while water levels remain high, meaning boats should not navigate in the rivers and wild swimmers should avoid the rivers, with water levels and flow expected to remain high over the coming days.

Meantime, the Local Resilience Forum (LRF), which manages emergency planning in the county, has coordinated the evacuation of most residents at Billing Aquadrome over the previous days, led by Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service (NFRS) and supported by specially trained volunteers from Northamptonshire Search and Rescue (NSAR).

A further evacuation of around 130 people who remain in caravans on the Billing Aquadrome site is taking place today (Wednesday, January 3).

Emergency accommodation and welfare support is being made available for those who need it.

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