An emergency rest centre has been set up for people affected by today’s floods which will stay open for “as long as necessary”.

Cambs Times: Emergency rest centre, St Johns hall March.Picture: Steve Williams.Emergency rest centre, St Johns hall March.Picture: Steve Williams. (Image: Archant)

St John’s Church Hall in Station Road, March, has been turned into a temporary refuge where people can get a cup of tea and a bowl of soup. If the situation does not improve, the centre will put people up for the night.

The hall is being manned by a handful of church volunteers under the direction of Fenland District Council officers.

Rest centre manager Ged Wilde said: “People from Alpha Street and other flooded roads have been told by the fire service to come here so we are expecting more people.

“There are crews from all over Cambridgeshire dealing with the floods so we are providing them with meals as well.

Cambs Times: Emergency rest centre, St Johns hall March. Rest centre Managers.Picture: Steve Williams.Emergency rest centre, St Johns hall March. Rest centre Managers.Picture: Steve Williams. (Image: Archant)

“We are continually monitoring the situation. Hopefully things will improve but in the worst case scenario we can provide bedding.

“I’ve not seen anything like this in my 17 years in March.”

One of the volunteers, Ann Denzey, said they had been re-decorating the church and felt compelled to help.

She said: “We’re quite happy to stay here and provide refreshments and whatever else we can for the people for March. We will be here for as long as necessary.”