Geek Retreat in Bedford closed after heavy rain causes flooding - ruining stock and carpets

Gaming cafe and shop Geek Retreat in Bedford's Harpur Centre has been forced to shut after last night heavy rain caused flooding.

On Thursday (June 22) evening, staff on duty were quick to get customers evacuated as drains overflowed into the shop during the downpour.

Shop owner Sharon Lockhart said while the Harpur Centre removed the flood water, its flooring and some stock are ruined.

Samantha Laycock, Harpur Centre manager, said: "Due to yesterday’s unprecedented rainwater affecting the town centre’s drainage systems which all parts of the centre connect into, the Harpur Centre teams worked tirelessly to support Geek Retreat who were unfortunately majorly affected as were many of our neighbouring businesses across Bedford.

"We used our specialist equipment to assist our family-run gaming café long into the night and we will continue to advise and support them during their recovery to ‘gaming as usual’.”

While, Sharon explained: “The carpet is still soaking wet and probably needs to be replaced, I would think, after sewer water comes all over the shop.”

Geek Retreat has had minor flooding before, but it remained closed today (June 23) as staff assess the damage.

She said: “It's upsetting, because it's such a community hub and there's so many people that count on us - that's the part we feel bad about.”

Geek Retreat Stevenage have offered to host its Pokemon event, if the Bedford site cannot reopen this weekend.

Samantha said that the shopping centre’s internal systems were 'not at fault in anyway’. She added: “We can confirm that the Harpur Centre itself and all its other businesses are still continuing to trade.

> Have you been affected by the downpour? Get in touch at [email protected]