About us
The Clapham Flood Group provides first response in the event of flooding or a village emergency. The Group cannot protect individual properties but will help divert water and rescue vulnerable residents. particularly Clapham.
We currently have around six members and always welcome more help. So if you're interested in joining the Flood Group or could provide help in an emergency, please get in contact with us. If you have medical training or access to a 4 x4 vehicle, please don't hesitate to let us know.
Like every rescue team, we learn from experience. We now know that, despite the availability of aqua sacks, the use of sand bags is still of valuable benefit. The Environment Agency provide us with empty bags for filling with sand and we also have two small pumps for water clearance .
christmas floods
Severe flooding affected most of Bedfordshire and particularly Clapham at Christmas 2020. The Parish Council now had a trained Flood Group equipped with signs and aqua sacks to protect from water seeping through doorways and openings.
Following persistent rainfall throughout December, the ground was already saturated and river levels were rising. I received the dreaded phone call from the Flood Officer on Christmas Eve: emergency flood alert. And with that warning, Councillors and police were knocking on High Street doors to warn of the imminent flood surge.
By Christmas Day morning, we were facing a major incident. and by lunchtime, the High Street was closed. Christmas afternoon was spent handing out aqua sacks and knocking door-to-door ensuring no vulnerable residents were left stranded.
With water levels due to peak at 6pm, we watched The Ford meet the High Street and, by 7pm it was rising up Highbury Grove. With the help of the Fire Brigade and Police, injuries were averted and damage, although severe, was limited to property. Certainly a lesson for the future on what the River Ouse is capable of.
John Reid Chair, Clapham flood group .