Oundle Mill hotel manager 'devastated' over flood damage

The manager of a Northamptonshire business that has been flooded since Sunday says the "devastating" damage could cost up to £150,000 to repair.

Paul Richardson said Oundle Mill hotel and restaurant, in Oundle, was under about about four feet (1.23m) of water.

Staff at the mill, built in the 1690s, have moved into temporary offices nearby.

Seven flood warnings are in place in Northamptonshire, the Environment Agency said.

Water started coming into the mill after floodgates were opened at 08:00 GMT on Saturday, Mr Richardson said.

By Sunday afternoon, the force of the water became so strong it broke through a glass panel and flooded the building.

Mr Richardson said: "It has been devastating for me personally. Our restaurant has won awards in the past and we will not be able to open now for at least three weeks.

"We expect there to be more than £150,000 worth of water damage but we will only find out the full extent after the water has been dried out."

Mr Richardson said builders had been to the hotel to assess the damage.

Flood warnings are in place in parts of Wellingborough, the River Nene between Cogenhoe and Great Doddington, the Cogenhoe Mill caravan site, Billing Aquadrome, Thorpe Waterville, Oundle and Wansford.

Residents living in Thrapston have also been warned to be vigilant after water levels rose on the River Nene.