CARELESS drivers who got stuck in floodwater, despite warnings not to travel, have been criticised for jeopardising emergency services.

Several cars were stranded around Newton Abbot as Storm Bert caused flooding and fallen trees.

Cllr Jackie Hook (Lib Dem, Bushell) told Teignbridge Council’s executive committee that Newton Abbot, Kingsteignton and Teigngrace had been particularly badly hit.

Cllr Hook, executive member for climate change, said flood water caused damage to footpaths and cycle paths around Stover Canal.

And, she added: ‘It is important people heed warnings.

‘The advice was not to travel, but sadly the emergency services had to deal with several incidents of vehicles stranded in floodwater. This means they were unable to attend other incidents.

‘We all need to pull together, heed warnings, and allow the emergency services to use their time as effectively as possible.’