Flood volunteers 'abused and ignored' by drivers

Jackie Hollowell said rude drivers sometimes made her question her role

Volunteers helping Nottinghamshire communities deal with flooding are regularly ignored or abused by frustrated motorists, according to those on the front line.

Flood wardens monitor river levels and drainage systems as well as put out signs when necessary to mark road closures.

But they have said "a minority" of drivers behave badly, insulting the wardens and even barging them out of the way.

Vicar and flood warden Anna Alls said: "It makes me feel sad because I know how hard people are working."

Wardens said some drivers moved signs, meaning others will miss the warnings

Jackie Hollowell has lived in Burton Joyce for seven years and became a flood warden just over a year ago.

She said: "I had an altercation this morning with someone who drove through the water.

"I didn't say anything but he seemed to think I was critical of the fact he had driven through.

"It was a bit upsetting, I thought 'Why am I doing this?' but other people were around that said 'Don't let that person upset you, we really appreciate you'.

"But it can leave you low, you think 'Why are people like this?' because you are just trying to help your community."

She added: "Most drivers are appreciative and just turn around.

"But it does get quite frustrating at times as there are occasional drivers who will ignore the signs, they will move the signs, and drive through.

"Quite often they will then drive back and leave the signs on one side, they will leave the cones.

"That means we have to go out and replace them and last year that happened literally twice a day."

Anna Alls said a nearby group had been the focus of unfair criticism

The wardens said drivers whose vehicles are capable of getting through deeper water can still cause issues if they move warning signs, as it may lead to other drivers getting into trouble.

They added that vehicles which force their way through flood water can also cause bow waves which force standing water into homes and businesses.

Anna Alls, Burton Joyce vicar and flood warden, said: "I know that one flood warden group in a neighbouring village recently got some stick because not everyone thought they were doing things appropriately.

"And in fact they are very well organised and they work together well as a team and had worked through the night that particular time.

"That's a shame and it makes me feel sad because I know how hard people are working."

Signs to give motorists advance warning of flooding have been installed around Woodborough

Charles Wardle has been a flood warden in Woodborough since the system was set up in 2007.

He said training for wardens included how to handle aggressive drivers but his village had taken it a step further.

"I have been twice barged out of the way by cars and the drivers didn't even wind down their windows to discuss it.

"This year for the first time we have used perimeter signs, outside the village, to warn drivers access may be restricted.

"So they are half expecting it when they get to the 'Road Closed' sign.

"It's early days but I think it has made a real difference," he said.