BBC tries crossing flooded Welney Washes in the parish council chairman’s 4x4 but only gets a short distance before they turn back

Less than 24 hours after police warned it was an offence to disobey flood warning signs at Welney, a BBC journalist and parish council chairman Ken Goodger attempted to do just that!

Friday’s BBC Look East showed reporter Andrew Sinclair clambering aboard Cllr Goodger’s 4x4 to attempt a crossing of the flooded Welney Washes..

The BBC film showed them getting only a short distance before Cllr Goodger announced, on camera that was as far as he was going!

“Parking sensors don’t like water – it’s up to the bumper- that’s as far as we’re going,” Cllr Goodger told the reporter.

Afterwards Cllr Goodger explained to BBC viewers how, the day before, he had been called three times to help stranded motorists. He explained that one on occasion a motorist was stuck in 18 inches of water and had to be rescued by fire crews.

East Cambridgeshire Police said the Welney Wash “is flooded and closed”.

A spokesman said: “We strongly advise all motorists to avoid Wash Road, Welney, and to plan alternative routes.

“The closure of the road has been clearly sign posted on the highway and it is an offence to disobey the signs and breach the cordon.”

The BBC report was linked to a flood summit in Downham Market organised by three local MPs that heard a permanent solution to the crossing could cost £5million.

Cllr Goodger attended and said afterwards: “I do think this was a very positive meeting. Even if the road is raised by six inches that would make a massive difference.”