Widespread flooding closes number of roads in north Bedfordshire

Bedford Borough Council, the Police and the Fire and Rescue Service are urging people to stay at home -where it is safe to do so - and to avoid travel unless absolutely necessary.

Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue (@BedsFire) posted on Twitter yesterday evening (Wednesday): "We are dealing with numerous flooding calls and incidents in the North Bedford area including; Harrold / Pertenhall / Sharnbrook and Upper Dean area. Please avoid the area We have crews in response, but please only call 999 if there is a danger to life."

The council’s Highways and Resilience teams, together with Bedfordshire Police, Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue and local flood groups were out on the ground, assisting motorists and residents where needed.

This follows reports of cars becoming stuck in floodwaters, and some properties being affected by floodwaters.

Teams are out providing measures to help protect properties from floodwaters, and supporting residents in the areas affected.

Mayor Dave Hodgson said “Floodwaters can be much deeper and more dangerous than they look - do not try to drive through floodwater.

"As far as possible, people are urged to stay at home if it is safe and to avoid travel, particularly around the north of the Borough.

“Call the emergency services on 999 and ask for the Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service if your property is being flooded and there is threat to life.

“Flood alerts and warnings can be found on the Government website, with advice about how to stay safe.”

A reader sent pictures taken at Sutton ford this morning, the driver of the vehicle got out safely.