Clear up underway in Bedford and Northampton following flooding

  • Anglia

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The clear up operation is underway in Bedford and Northampton following major flooding over Christmas.

Hundreds of people had their Christmas Day ruined after being told to leave their homes as the River Great Ouse burst its banks.

On The Embankment in Bedford there are now signs that the flood water has stared to recede.

A number of homes were flooded as the water rose on Christmas Day and Boxing Day .

Gurwinder Singh Bassi from the Khalsa Aid charity Credit: ITV Anglia

The Khalsa Aid charity, which earlier this week provided food to lorry drivers stuck in Kent, helped people affected by the flood waters .

Flood waters have started to go down in Bedford Credit: ITV Anglia

Around 60mm to 65mm if rain fell in just two days causing extensive flooding.

1,000 caravans had to be evacuated at Billing Aquadrome holiday park near Northampton

Flooding at Billing Aquadrome holiday park Credit: Terry Harris

At St Ives in Cambridgeshire the River Great Ouse overflowed.

The Environment Agency says in Bedford flood defences protected thousands of homes.

Only when the flooding has gone down will the full extent of any damage caused by the surging water become clear.