"I feel like I have been mis-sold a caravan": Residents upset over flooding at notorious Northampton holiday park

Residents at Cogenhoe Mill Caravan Site have been left upset with site owners Pure Leisure, with some saying they feel like they were 'mis-sold' a caravan due to being told it did not flood in the area.

The holiday park - and also Billing Aquadrome - has been victim of multiple floods in the last few months, which has left residents having to evacuate to hotel rooms or the local hall at Billing Willow.

2,000 sandbags now in place at Northampton's Billing Aquadrome as flood clear-up work continuesOne caravan owner at Cogenhoe said: "We asked about flooding and were told 'no it doesn't flood'. Since we moved in we've had numerous floods. We have to vacate the area every time it rains.

"We have to go to hotel rooms or Billing Willow. I feel like I have been mis-sold a caravan. I am quite angry with the whole thing and if I don't shut up they will have you off site - apparently they've done it to a few people, kicked them out."

Some of the caravans, which sell for around £100,000, have insurance policies that covers damage to the home, but some of the policies do not pay hotel costs when floods hit.

A resident said: "December's floods were a nightmare. The insurance covers the damage to the caravan. Hotels bills are being paid by the residents.

"During Covid, staying in Billing Willow is really risking our lives and everyone else's lives. It is ridiculous."

The situation is a topic which is debated on the residents' local Facebook page, with some in defense of the company and others who are against Pure Leisure's actions.

One resident said: "Some people are saying we should have done our homework, but you trust the person who is selling it to you. If they are saying it will not flood then you believe them.

"People have been saying 'you've got to remember these are your holiday homes', but these are our main homes.

"It is so awful, I am so frightened [to speak out], I could have my caravan taken off of me. It is just disgusting, everybody is disgusted. The residents are all disgusted but no one dares speak up."

One person also said it is a waste of the emergency service's resources, as at least one ambulance sits on site in case of any future floods.

Pure Leisure's response

"We fully understand and appreciate that the unprecedented rainfall across the region has been challenging for everyone involved. Owners' safety is paramount in all of our decision making. We work closely with the Environment Agency and will always take appropriate action based on information received.

"Cogenhoe Mill would normally be closed at this time of the year, with owners staying at their residential address. The company worked extensively on behalf of owners in conjunction with the local authority to temporarily extend the season due to the Covid pandemic. There has been no increase in site fees for this temporary extension to the season.

"Following the park evacuation, the Willow bar was made available as an initial safe point of refuge for displaced owners. Over the Christmas period, owners were then transported from the Willow and venue to hotels or university accommodation by 4x4 volunteers, which were all organised by the local authority.

"The entire process was Covid compliant. No owner stayed at the Willow for any prolonged period of time."

The spokesman went on to address the insurance policies at the site.

He said: "All owners must have an insurance policy in place. Given the park was evacuated and closed due to a flood warning issued by the Environment Agency, owners have been encouraged to make contact with their own insurer for support with any expenses incurred.

"It is important to clarify that no owners stayed at the Willow overnight. The room has an agreed Covid capacity, all seating was spaced, the room was ventilated and hand gel was made available.

"Security and management were on hand to ensure that Covid compliance was in place at all times. The local authority and emergency services were complimentary around the evacuation and Covid compliance.

"We have received a lot of positive feedback from owners, who have thanked the park team, local authority and emergency services for all of their dedication and support throughout the evacuation.

"We are in open dialogue with all owners who wish to discuss any concerns or questions that they may have. We have updated owners regularly through our social media and directly through the owner services team."

The spokesman went on to address the resident's issue of feeling like they were mis-sold a caravan.

The spokesman said: "The sales process is entirely open and transparent. All data relating to the park is in the public domain. The park sits on a river which is made apparent on the park tour for any prospective purchaser."