Volunteer launches relief effort for flood victims

Scott Pileckas said his immediate focus was to help people evacuated from their homes at Billing Aquadrome

A man has launched a relief effort to support those affected by recent flooding at Billing Aquadrome.

Scott Pileckas, 41, from Doddington, has set up the Billing Relief Squad, a volunteer initiative providing parcels donated from local food banks and offering advice to those displaced.

On 25 November, heavy rain from Storm Bert led to severe flooding from the River Nene, forcing residents to evacuate their homes.

While some have returned, others remain off site as clean-up operations continue.

"I just want to reassure people [affected by the flooding] that they can be helped," Mr Pileckas said.

"I can't believe the scale of the flooding this time round."

Emergency services said that about 1,000 people were led to safety from Billing Aquadrome during the flooding

The recent flooding marks the fourth time the caravan park has flooded this year, with emergency evacuations taking place in January, February, September and November.

This time, Storm Bert caused widespread disruption across Northamptonshire, including rail disruption when the tracks at Northampton station were completely flooded.

Adam Brown, leader of West Northamptonshire Council, said river levels in some cases were higher than the floods in 1998.

'Emotional toll'

Mr Pileckas, a former firefighter and currently a crisis counsellor, has taken two weeks' off work to lead the Billing Relief Squad in a bid to "tackle the uncertainty" for those affected.

Describing the site, he said the damage was "extensive" and "pretty nasty", witnessing brand new caravans "completely waterlogged" and new cars destroyed.

Mr Pileckas added the extent of the damage had taken an emotional toll on the park's residents.

"I have spoken to people who range from sobbing their eyes out to some feeling more or less suicidal," he said.

"Many affected lack the resources to relocate, and around 80% of those I've spoken to no longer wish to live in the area. It’s dreadful."

Mr Pileckas also said he was concerned about the long term wellbeing of the community.

"My biggest concern is whether they’ll be okay for Christmas. They don’t feel like celebrating."

Shay Robertson has lived at Billing Aquadrome for eight years and had previously experienced flooding at the park in 2020

Shay Robertson is a resident at Billing Aquadrome and was flooded out of his home at 03.30 GMT on 25 November.

Leaving with only his dog and a single set of clothes, Mr Robertson, 54, had to use "literally all of [his] money" to book a stay at a hotel.

Now back in his home, he said: "It’s always a worry and a stress when it rains heavily.

"But I can’t move elsewhere because of the costs."

Mandy Bazley, 56, has been living at Billing Aquadrome "off and on for 55 years" - and has now returned to her caravan.

While her property was not damaged, she said she knew many others who lad lost everything.

However, despite the challenges, Ms Bazley said she would never consider leaving Billing Aquadrome.

"It's home to me," she said.