Users of a popular park have blamed a housing development for causing flooding.

Bushey-based developer Heronslea was granted planning permission in 2013 to build 15 flats and houses as well as 115 car parking spaces on the former Windmill Nursing Home site after the NHS sold the land in Everett Close.

Building is under way at the site and neighbours believe it has caused flooding in Windmill Lane Park.

Former councillor Leslie Winters said: “People who normally use the park are unable to do so because of the water. No children can get into the play area.

“For 25 years I have walked in this park and never have I seen it flooded. The development has pushed the water into the park.”

Walkers can normally enter Windmill Park from one side and leave at the other side near the doctor’s surgery, however due to flooding this has become impossible.

The development, which has been going on for more than 18 months, has caused concern among neighbours.

“It’s a real nuisance. I was walking in the park and was unable to cross to the other side because I was not wearing wellies. The developers have spoilt the view of the park with their building and now they have ruined the actual park.

“Before the building development went through, the gardens would always flood but now the park is flooding and the gardens aren’t.”

A spokesman from Heronslea said: “I have spoken to the company and to the site engineers at Windmill Place and they have confirmed that any water from the site is drained away so it has not come from the development.”

Cllr Jean Heywood, who is responsible for environment, said: “Our parks team is aware of recent issues with flooding at the recreation ground.

“As a short term measure we have locked the pedestrian access gate through to the play area. Instead, we have opened the more central vehicle access gate, which runs through to the middle section of the park which is not flooded and also affords access to the play area.

“We are also investigating the reason why the flooding is occurring and exploring options to tackle the flooding and to create habitat improvement.”