EMERGENCY services, health organisations and the local authority are continuing to respond to the flooding situation across Herefordshire today. The strategic co-ordinating group for the county met at 10am at Herefordshire Council's Brockington headquarters to discuss the on-going difficulties being experienced across the county.

Yesterday evening an evacuation was carried out by the fire service with the assistance of two military vehicles in Hampton Bishop. The village had become flooded when water from the River Lugg breached an earth bank, flowed into fields and then onto the road.

A total of 41 residents and staff were evacuated from the Hampton House Residential Home as a precautionary measure. They have been relocated to community hospitals and other residential care facilities around the county. A further 72 residents were taken out of the village by fire service boats for onward travel to rest centres or alternative accommodation.

A further 10 people were removed from the village by the fire service this morning. All are safe and well.

Weather forecasts suggest an improving picture for the coming days and the River Wye water level is falling. The River Lugg is remaining steady but is not likely to fall significantly for several days. It is likely therefore that floodwaters will continue to remain at Hampton Bishop until the Lugg's levels recede.

"All of the emergency services are continuing to work together to ensure public safety and to return the areas affected by the floodwaters can return to normality as quickly as possible," said a spokesman for the co-ordinating group. "Rest centres have been provided throughout the weekend for those displaced by the floodwaters in Herefordshire. The majority of people using these centres have now been able to make alternative arrangements for themselves or continue on with their journeys once roads reopened but facilities will continue to be available for those who need them."

Elsewhere across the county, floodwaters are now beginning to recede and many roads closed during the flooding have now been able to reopen or are passable with care.

Motorists are still urged not to travel into areas with floodwater and to continue to listen to local radio for the latest flooding information. It is still advisable only to make journeys if absolutely necessary and drivers should be aware that there may be abandoned cars at the roadside and take extra care.

Pedestrians should also not enter floodwater, as there can be many hidden dangers such as missing manhole covers that could prove fatal, as well as associated health risks from stagnant and sewage infected water.

In addition, anyone concerned about river-based flooding can contact the Environment Agency's Floodline on 0845 988 1188 for up-to-date information and advice.