UPDATED: Flood alert in Buckingham as politician gets '˜drenched'

Families and businesses are bracing themselves as overnight rain put the River Great Ouse on flood alert.
Bourton Park near the footpath entrance to Badgers, taken by Noel WynderBourton Park near the footpath entrance to Badgers, taken by Noel Wynder
Bourton Park near the footpath entrance to Badgers, taken by Noel Wynder

Councillors have donned their wellies to assess the levels and people are advised to take care on the roads.

Drivers are getting caught on the A421 towards Bicester, close to the bridge at Newton Purcell.

There are reports of flooding on the Gawcott to Calvert road, at Hillesden Dips, which is close to Padbury Brook, and in Bufflers Holt.

The Bell at Beachampton, taken by Nicholas HanksThe Bell at Beachampton, taken by Nicholas Hanks
The Bell at Beachampton, taken by Nicholas Hanks

Moreton Road - by Buckingham Rugby Club - as well as the Tingewick bypass going towards Bicester, are affected.

Main Street close to The Bell Inn at Beachampton and the A413 Adstock junction are badly flooded.

Steve Hallett, who heads up Flood Action 4 Buckingham’s volunteers, is ‘monitoring the situation’ but is optimistic about levels dropping off.

He said: “There is nothing which is a major concern but we have people looking around to check what is going on and making sure it’s not going to get any worse.

Warren Whyte posted this photo on Facebook of Moreton RoadWarren Whyte posted this photo on Facebook of Moreton Road
Warren Whyte posted this photo on Facebook of Moreton Road

“If it goes from flood alert to flood warning (Flooding is expected. Immediate action required), the whole team kicks into action. We know where the vulnerable people are.”

Mr Hallett said 98 properties, mainly in Nelson Street, have flood defences in place. Barriers can be slotted into a grill at the front of homes.

He added: “At the moment, the forecast looks clear for the rest of the day which will give it chance to recede a bit.

“And there is good weather coming at the weekend which will help.”

Buckingham Athletic Football Club has been hit by flooding, photo taken by Noel WynderBuckingham Athletic Football Club has been hit by flooding, photo taken by Noel Wynder
Buckingham Athletic Football Club has been hit by flooding, photo taken by Noel Wynder

Bucks County Councillor for Buckingham, Warren Whyte, is meeting the Environment Agency this afternoon to discuss plans for the River Great Ouse.

He posted a Facebook photo to ‘thank’ the driver who sped past and splashed him.

He said: “Well thank you VW Passat driver 9am driving north on Moreton Road heading to Avenue Road.

“While I was looking at the flooding by the rugby club and new development, you drove at speed through the flood water and drenched me and the interior of my car. Thanks so much for your consideration.

The Bell at Beachampton, taken by Nicholas HanksThe Bell at Beachampton, taken by Nicholas Hanks
The Bell at Beachampton, taken by Nicholas Hanks

“The builders are currently working on this, so please drive carefully while I go home to change and prey that my car interior is not permanently damaged.”

The Environment Agency’s flood update for the River Great Ouse explains that ‘river levels are rising in response to last night’s rain’ and that ‘further rainfall is expected throughout the morning’.

Call Floodline on 0345 988 1188, select option 1 and enter Quickdial number 03243 to get more information.

Have you been affected? Email [email protected]