Flooding
Whilst the flooding has gone down across the village, the water level in many of the ditches remains high. The river levels are high but slowly falling in the St Ives and Houghton lock gauges and high and rising at the Tempsford (Roxton) and Bedford river gauges. A second peak of floodwater is moving down the Great Ouse from Bedford so river levels at St Ives and Houghton are expected to rise from the afternoon of Sunday 27th December. Further rainfall is expected tonight (Saturday 26th December) and on Sunday 27th & Monday 28th December.
Hopefully, this will not cause flooding of property in Hilton but we are subject to an amber flood warning which means “Flooding is possible – be prepared”. If you are concerned that your property is at risk from flooding and need any help to prepare please contact the Clerk at or 830605. Please check on any neighbours who may also be at risk.
Please avoid using low lying footpaths near local watercourses and plan driving routes to avoid low lying roads near rivers, which may be flooded. Please take care whilst walking near to and avoid walking through flood water as there is always a risk of falling into ditches or open manhole covers and floodwater may be contaminated and harmful to health.
Please also consider those residents who have been affected by floodwater when driving and drive (if absolutely necessary) dead slow through any standing water as any bow wave created can cause additional water to flood into properties or garages.