22 November 2012 CB/PR/12/N
Flood warnings along the River Nene as Billing
Aquadrome evacuated
More rain forecast this evening
Holiday homes at Billing Aquadrome are being evacuated this morning, as forecasters warn
of further rain later today. The Environment Agency issued a Flood Warning for the site at
07:47 today (22 November).
Around 1000 people are expected to leave the Billing site and are being advised to make
alternative arrangements until further notice.
Andy Wilkinson from the Environment Agency said: ‘We’re working with the police and Billing
Aquadrome to ensure that people remain safe. With more rain forecast tonight, it’s sensible
to evacuate the site during daylight hours, to give people time to collect belongings and make
alternative arrangements.’
‘We’ve had a lot of rain falling over a short period of time onto already wet ground. Under
these conditions it is inevitable that water levels will rise and we will be keeping a close eye
on the forecast over the coming days.’
Around 39mm of rain fell around Northamptonshire yesterday and overnight, raising levels in
the river Nene. Large amounts of standing water around the county have made travel difficult
too. The Northamptonshire Washlands are being used to help manage water flows down the
Nene.
Flood Warnings are currently in place along the River Nene for isolated properties near the
River Nene from Cogenhoe to Great Doddington, Billing Aquadrome and nearby business
parks and for isolated properties near the Upper River Nene, including Nether Heyford,
Bugbrooke, Bugbrooke Mill, Upton Mill, Horton, Hackleton and Preston Deanery and
Cogenhoe Mill caravan site.
Flood warnings are updated every 15 minutes on the Environment Agency web site
www.environment-agency.gov.uk. People can register to receive flood warnings direct to their
phone or mobile by calling 0845 988 1188 and follow us on Twitter @EnvAgencyAnglia
ENDS
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also for emergency service only, 24 hours).
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