Caravanners staying in a popular Northamptonshire holiday park have been forced to evacuate after monsoon rains caused dangerously high levels of flooding.
More than 120 residents and holidaymakers at the, ironically named, Billing Aquadrome were forced out of their caravans and holiday homes on Monday night (April 30th) after a flood warning was issued by the Environment Agency.
People are now being allowed back onto the site, though the Agency is advising against it and has warned those that do return to be on their guard against rising water levels.
Volunteers from the Red Cross have assisted the homeless, setting up temporary accommodation at the nearby Lings Forum leisure centre in Weston Favell.
Around 100 people spent the night there again on Tuesday, before the Environment Agency gave holidaymakers permission to return today. However, it has warned that more rain is forecast and another evacuation could be inevitable.
Environment Agency Manager Norman Robinson, said: “This is a very difficult time for the occupants.
“Although we’re letting people back on site at the moment, they do need to be aware they could be evacuated again this evening.”
Northamptonshire County Council is running the centre at Lings Forum with assistance from the British Red Cross and it will remain open for as long as needed.
Volunteers pitched in to help the stricken caravanners and residents of the site, with a dedicated team working in shifts from Monday evening.
Pauline Mahon, a service manager at the Red Cross’s fire and emergency support service in Northamptonshire, revealed that her team of volunteers had worked all evening to help those who had to flee the flood waters.
“We’ve been supporting people emotionally, as it is a distressing time. Since no entry is allowed at the park, we have also been trying to help though who have had to leave behind vital belongings which they need in their everyday lives,” she said.
The Environment Agency is advising that people only return to the site to collect essentials and has said the flood warning will be in place for the next few days.
