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More than 1,000 people have been forced to flee a trailer park in a “major incident” after it was flooded on Christmas Eve.
Emergency services began pulling people out of the Billing Aquadrome holiday park in Northamptonshire on Thursday afternoon after the county was hit by heavy rains.
Three adults were also rescued in a car that was partially submerged in a ditch. Image: Northamptonshire Search and Rescue
Some people who have been evacuated have gone to stay with their families, while Northamptonshire police said they had secured two Northamptonshire recreation centers and “several” hotel rooms for emergency accommodation.
Northamptonshire Search and Rescue, a charity helping the Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service, said it had rescued several people, including three adults in a car that was partially submerged in a ditch and a new mother with her baby.
A statement from Billing Aquadrome urged people to leave their homes and return to their residential addresses “immediately” after water levels continued to rise.
“The park staff is doing everything possible to assist and assist all vacation home owners during this incredibly difficult time,” he said. “It goes without saying that we are heartbroken to find ourselves in this position, and we are very sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused. We appreciate your continued understanding and support.”
Residents said an area of the park, known as Canada Drive and closer to the Nene River, was flooded.
One told Sky News: “A small part of the park is heavily flooded, about knee height.
“He got to the bottom of my car door. My next door neighbors are elderly and the husband was struggling to get his wife and all her medications out.”
He added: “Personally, I feel numb and worried that my place will be there when I return. I will not be able to enjoy any kind of Christmas with that on my mind now.”
Chief Superintendent Mick Stamper said it was an “exceptionally challenging situation.”
“Residents are urged to leave immediately and seek accommodation with family or friends when possible,” he said.
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Storm Bella: Homes flooded by heavy rain in the UK
“Anyone who is concerned that this may put them in breach of COVID-19 regulations should be assured that these are exceptional circumstances and will be exempt,” he added.
“However, we urge people not to go to homes where people protect or isolate themselves as a result of COVID-19.”
The vacation park, consisting of mobile homes and lodges, sits on 235 acres in the Nene Valley and is open 11 months out of the year, from February 6 to January 6.
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