Visitors have spoken of their love for an unlikely tourism spot in Nottinghamshire which is attracting families at weekends. Known as an area that's prone for flooding, Rufford Ford sees a steady number of families visiting to watch vehicles attempt to negotiate the flooded road - and get splashed in the process.
Rufford Ford, in the village of Rufford located just outside of Mansfield regularly gets flooded with deep water during heavy rainfall, and can become a pastime for tourists visiting nearby Rufford Abbey to watch cars drive through the water.
On many occasions, vehicles become stuck in the water after their engines cut out - leading to emergency services being called to rescue operations.
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The stretch of road was once named as the most common place in the county for drivers to get stuck.
Among the visitors to the site on Saturday, November 26, was Sarah Smith, 35, from Louth in Lincolnshire, who goes to watch the cars drive through the ford with her family.
She explained: “We love it, we come every week. Just the cars going through and splashing everywhere, the boys love it!
“You see cars get stuck, they break down. Some idiots speeding.”
It comes after Nottinghamshire Police were seen at the scene earlier this year, carrying out speeding prevention work. It came after a video was taken at Rufford Ford showing a number of cars and also quadbikes appearing to go through standing water very quickly.
Wayne Attenborough, 34, from Nottingham was visiting with his children on Saturday. Mr Attenborough said: “The kids love to get splashed. It’s like an attraction.”
Ciaran Patteson, 17, also from Nottingham, added: “We’ve been here loads of times. It’s just flooded. Cars get stuck and get dragged out. I saw a taxi get stuck in it last week.”
Dave Jones, 51, who was visiting family in the area and went along to watch cars passing by at the Ford, said: “Kids love it, the kids love to get splashed. It’s free entertainment for the kids, a bit of water. When the four by fours go through they get splashed. Look how many people come and go, the kids love it.”
But Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue issued a fresh warning to drivers about the danger of the Ford on Saturday. A spokesperson said: "Edwinstowe Blue Watch are back at Rufford Ford this weekend to talk with drivers about road and water safety Remember, it only takes an egg cupful of water sucked into your engine to wreck it."
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