Bridges in Yorkshire closed and properties flooded after heavy rain

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Flood water in Stamford BridgeImage source, Paul Murphy/BBC
Image caption,

Flood water covers the village square in Stamford Bridge near York

A number of bridges across Yorkshire have been closed and some properties flooded due to heavy rain.

The bridge across the River Wharfe in Tadcaster and County Bridge in Malton were closed on Monday due to high water levels.

Roads in Stamford Bridge were covered with water and some shops were flooded.

The Environment Agency (EA) said it had worked with partners over the weekend to operate a pump in Stamford Bridge to cut the risk of flooding.

An EA spokesman added that its officers were "out on the ground supporting local communities in flood-affected areas".

Image source, PAul Murphy / BBC
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One shop owner said passing vehicles were causing waves of water

Rachel, who runs a florist shop in Stamford Bridge, East Yorkshire, said waves caused by passing vehicles had made the situation worse.

"The cars and lorries are still driving through at speed causing waves," she said.

"It's now lapping the bottom of our step, but with every car it's getting closer.

"We're waiting for the police to come and try and shut the road."

She said she had received no response from multiple calls to the police and the EA, adding "everyone's kind of left us to it, really".

Rachel said her shop was still unaffected, but an estate agent's office in the village square had flooded.

Meanwhile, Lisa Barnes said she had never seen such bad flooding in the village and it had caused significant traffic problems.

"It's causing chaos all over. It's just having a massive impact on the community," she said.

The BBC has contacted Humberside Police for a response.

Image source, Naj Modak / BBC
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North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said it had helped pump away water in locations including Norton

North Yorkshire Police said: "We're working closely with organisations including the Environment Agency and North Yorkshire's highways team to monitor the current flooding situation.

"If absolutely necessary we will divert motorists. If you see a diversion, remember it's there for your safety.

"If a road is flooded or closed, please don't be tempted to chance it - it won't save you any time and it could be a costly mistake."

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said its crews had helped pump water away from properties in a number of locations across the county.

The EA added that more rain was forecast in the coming days, and minor river and surface water flooding was probable as rain fell on saturated ground.

"Minor river flooding will continue on some slower responding rivers across the north of England over the next five days," a spokesman said.

"Environment Agency teams will be out on the ground, undertaking preparatory operational activity to minimise the impacts of flooding where possible.

"We advise people to stay away from swollen rivers and urge people not to drive through flood water as just 30cm of flowing water is enough to move your car."

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