Residents evacuated from Billing Aquadrome after severe flooding

Emergency services have been evacuating people at Billing Aquadrome after severe flooding following last night's heavy rain.

Earlier today, Christmas Eve, Northamptonshire Police had issued a warning to people to avoid the area.

"Motorists urged to avoid the Billing Aquadrome area of East Northampton," the police posted on social media. "Emergency services are currently evacuating parts of Billing Aquadrome in Great Billing, due to the heavy flooding," a spokesperson said.

Billing Aquadrome also posted an update on its Facebook page at just after 2pm.

"Due to extremely dangerous rising river levels, we are now unfortunately asking people to leave the park and return to their residential address immediately!

"The roads to the park have now been closed and only vehicles exiting the park are allowed!

"If you have no where else to go please visit The Willow as it is likely we will have to evacuate The Venue," a spokesperson said. "Please stay safe!"

Earlier in the day, a post had warned people of the impending issues: "Unfortunately we’re incredibly sorry to announce that due to extremely high flood warnings, we are advising all holiday home owners (that can); should vacate the park and return home to their primary addresses as soon as possible! We are also asking those with vechicles parked close to areas of potential flooding to move them!

"Park staff are doing everything that they can to aid and assist all holiday home owners during this unbelievely difficult time. It goes without saying that we are heartbroken to find ourselves in this position, and that we are extremely sorry for the inconvenience this may have caused. We thank you for your understanding and continued support."

Northants Search and Rescue have been on site helping those people affected by the flooding.

"Team have now been redeployed to Northampton area for another multi person evacuation, supporting Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service," a spokesperson said. The team had earlier been helping residents affected in Kettering.