A43 and M1 slip roads closed in Northamptonshire due to severe flooding

Flooding is causing delays on the roads this afternoon (December 23) as the A43 and part of the M1 are closed.

The A43 northbound from Towcester Tove the M1 Junction 15A is closed as Highways officers and police deal with flooding as drains have been overwhelmed.

Both the M1 northbound and southbound exit slip road are shut at Junction 15, also due to excess surface water.

The flooding is also affecting parts of town as water is flowing freely in Far Cotton rendering roads difficult to drive on and parts of Hardingstone just off the A45 are also suffering from bad surface water.

Residents at Billing Aquadrome are also dealing with flooding on the holiday park.

The village of Stoke Bruerne is flooded. The fire service are at the junction of Rookery Lane and Mill Lane. Drivers are being asked to avoid that area of the village and residents are being warned about flood water coming into their homes.

Police are also at attendance on Collingtree Road between Milton Malsor and Collingtree due to flooding are asking people to avoid the area as a vehicle is stuck in the water.

In relation to the incident, PC Scott Kimberley said: This is becoming a common sight at the moment, please do not drive through flood water. It can be deceptive and you don't want to end up stranded."

London North Western also confirmed there are delays on services between Long Buckby and Rugby due to 'heavy rain flooding the railway'.

There is currently a flood waring in place for rivers across Northamptonshire, including near to Cogenhoe.

The Met Office has also issued a weather warning for heavy rain, which is in place until 6am Christmas Eve.

Due to the heavy rainfall, surface water and difficult driving conditions, Northamptonshire Police has issued a warning.

The force's safer roads team tweeted: "With heavy rainfall this morning and continuing through the day, please drive safely within the speed limit, leave plenty of room between vehicles and drive to the conditions you are faced with as there is lots of standing water in places. #RainRainGoAway."

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