Cumberland Avenue, Flood Sept 1968

Elderly couple rescued by group of neighbours

After heavy rain for two days, homes and gardens in Cumberland Avenue were flooded as water ran off and the drainage system could not cope. Residents worked in two hour shifts throughout the night to check the rising flood water.

Neighbours rescued an elderly couple from their home, the water was up to five feet deep.

David Roberts recalls that weekend.

Flooding in Brook Road

More Benfleet Flooding 1968

Cumberland Avenue 2013 showing the dip where flooding occurred.

Margaret March

A closer shot

Margaret March

Neighbours hold night vigil on rising flood water

After heavy rain parts of Cumberland Avenue were flooded, elderly couple rescued from their home, residents blocked off the road to keep the water out.