Joint agency flooding update
26 September 2024
Agencies are continuing to support Billing Aquadrome’s management with their evacuation plan whilst it remains temporarily closed due to flooding and with further flood warnings in place.
Around 28 people and 5 pets stayed at the rest centre overnight and were provided with emergency bedding, toiletries and hot food and drink and supported by community volunteers from the British Red Cross and Re:Act and WNC staff. A further 21 people and their pets left the centre last night having made arrangements to stay with family and friends.
West Northamptonshire Council is assessing everyone remaining at the site for their temporary accommodation needs so that further arrangements can be made until it is safe for them to return to the site. All agencies including the Fire Service, Police and Environment Agency are continually assessing the conditions at the site and the ongoing weather however with more rainfall expected, a flood warning remains in place for the site.
Having ordered the evacuation of the site, the park’s management is working with electricians, plumbers and other contractors with a view to ensuring preparations are made to move people back once the flooding risks have passed and it is safe to do so.
With more heavy rain expected over the next couple of days, residents are urged to continue to take extra care, as six flood warnings and 10 flood alerts remain in place across West Northamptonshire. Water levels across the area remain very high, with flood warnings currently in place on the River Nene at Billing and Cogenhoe to Great Doddington, as well as the River Tove at Towcester and Cosgrove and low lying areas close to the River Great Ouse and River Ouzel at Newport Pagnell.
People should plan ahead their journeys as well as continuing to keep an eye on flood alerts and warnings in place.
In the event of an emergency where someone is in danger, they should dial 999 or 112. Further information and guidance on flooding and to report it visit Report a flood | West Northamptonshire Council (westnorthants.gov.uk)