Severe flood warning downgraded for River Soar in Leicestershire but properties still 'at risk'

Proctors Park in Leicestershire flooded after the River Soar broke its banks.


A severe flood warning has been downgraded for the River Soar, but properties remain "at risk", according to Charnwood Borough Council.

It has been changed to a flood warning, meaning flooding is still expected.

The Environment Agency said large scale evacuation was required at caravan parks near Barrow upon Soar due to rising river levels after heavy snowfall and rapid snowmelt.

Proctors Pleasure Park near Barrow is still thought to be the area most at risk.

A caravan owner was rescued after floodwater stranded him in his home in the park.

A man is rescued from the flooding at a caravan park near Barrow upon Soar, Leicestershire. Credit: PA

Four members of Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service were seen wading through deep water surrounding caravans on Tuesday morning pulling an inflatable raft on which the man sat holding a blue carrier bag.

Bystanders watching the rescue said the flooding was the deepest they had seen.

A safe respite centre was set up at the John Storer House in Loughborough as emergency services rushed people to safety. The centre has since closed as it was no longer required.

Leicestershire Fire and Rescue said they had responded to over 380 calls and attended 56 flooding incidents as of 12:30pm on Tuesday 7 January.

Bottleacre Lane, Loughborough.


The Environment Agency said that with further light rainfall forecast, river levels are expected to remain high until tomorrow (8 January).

Charnwood Borough Council said: "The Severe Flood Warning has been removed. River levels remain very high but steady at the Pillings Lock river gauge as a result of recent heavy rainfall.

"The Severe Flood status has now been removed. However, a Flood Warning is still in force for the area, meaning properties remain at risk. Areas most at risk are Proctor's Pleasure Park near Barrow upon Soar."

Flooding hit huge swathes of the Midlands yesterday (6 January), as Leicestershire Fire and Rescue declared a major incident after receiving hundreds of calls and rescuing more than 60 people.

East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) declared its first-ever critical incident, meaning it will only take life-threatening or serious calls. It said a combination of patient demand, pressure within local hospitals and flooding was the cause.

Ben Holdaway from EMAS says flooding increased ambulance response times and put pressure on their services.

People are being warned not to drive into flood water as it is often deeper than it appears.

Charnwood Borough Council said: "Never attempt to drive through a flood when you don't know the depth. If you cannot see the road surface beneath the water, it's too deep! Just six inches of water can cause you to lose control of your car or stall it when water is sucked into the engine and exhaust

"Two feet of flowing water can sweep away most vehicles (including large 4x4s), and most cars will start to float in as little as a foot of water.

"If you encounter a flooded road, always find an alternative route. Don't ignore Road Closed signs—they have been put out for your safety."


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