An athletics stadium is being used as an emergency assistance centre after widespread flood warnings in Bedfordshire.
In a statement, Bedford Borough Council warned of “significant levels of floodwaters to impact Bedford and other parts of the borough”, and said that a COVID-safe centre had been set up at Bedford International Athletic Stadium for those forced to flee their homes.
Bromham Village Hall in the county is also being used as a centre for people who have to evacuate due to flooding but do not have another location to go to.
Bedfordshire Police and Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue service have been working to encourage residents to evacuate their homes, with flood warnings put in place for areas surrounding the River Great Ouse.
The river breached its banks on Christmas evening, and the water poured through the bridges and roads surrounding it in the village of Turvey.
One resident, who lives nearby to the river said: “We’ve lived on this road for 14 years and I’ve never known this road to be closed, so it’s a first for me.”
