Severe Flood Warning in Bedford has been lifted

  • Watch our report from ITV News Correspondent Geraint Vincent


Emergency centres in Bedford have been stood down after the Environment Agency lifted a Severe Flood Warning on the River Great Ouse in the town

High water levels on the river are expected to remain over coming days emergency services say they are not expecting levels seen on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

The emergency assistance centre at Bedford International Athletic Stadium has been stood down while the centre at Bromham Village Hall was stood down yesterday.

Flooding in Bedford on Christmas Day. Credit: ITV News

People living in 1,300 homes in the the area had been advised to leave.

Bedfordshire Fire Service & Rescue Service says telling people to move away from their homes on Christmas Day was a terrible message to deliver.

Fire crews rescued 9 people and 3 dogs in Harrold Credit: Bedfordshire Fire Service

9 people and 3 dogs had to be rescued on Christmas Day morning from a severely flooded property in Harrold

A refuge centre was set up for those leaving their homes Credit: ITV News

Officials are still out monitoring water levels and activity on the river

Flooding at St Ives in Cambridgeshire Credit: Terry Harris

River levels were also high at St Ives in Cambridgeshire as water moved along the River Great Ouse.

Flooding in the Bedford town centre Credit: ITV News

The Environment Agency is warning people to stay away from flooded rivers as flood water can contain hidden dangers such as lifted manhole covers, sharp objects, sewage and chemicals.