Flash flooding hits village home (From Watford Observer)

Flash flooding hits village home

2:46pm Thursday 11th June 2009 in Search Module By Paola Dellafiora

Three Bovingdon residents were forced to flee their home on Sunday when it became submerged in flood waters.

David Mash, 23, and housemates had to escape through a window when a flash flood hit their home in Eastnor.

Waters rapidly seeped through doors and windows flooding the ground floor and destroying furnishings.

David, who lives with friends Jack Abell and his girlfriend Helen Farrington, is now facing thousands of pounds worth of damages.

David, a HSBC employee, said: “It was about 6pm and we were watching TV. We looked out the window and it was raining quite badly. We then heard a strange noise come from the kitchen sink.

“Suddenly water started coming in through the doors and was rising quickly. Within an hour it had come up from the floor. We switched off the electricity supply and tried to move as many valuables as we could upstairs.”

Jack added: "The water must have been 2ft deep. Luckily we were home at the time to move things out of the way."

Firefighters were called to pump the water out and a fan was used to dry the house out.

David, who has since been forced to move back into his parent’s home in Hempstead Road, only moved into the property in March.

He added: “My dad and I had spent ages painting the house. The carpet has now been pulled up, all the kitchen appliances are going to need replacing, and the walls will need re-plastering and painting again. It’s such a shame.”

Neighbours have reported that Eastnor has flooded 12 times in the past six years.

Hertfordshire County Council spokeswoman Jo Brown said: “We are sorry to hear about this flooding incident and have been out to meet the resident and discuss his concerns.

“We have checked the gullies on both Eastnor and surrounding streets - none of them are blocked. Unfortunately, due to where the house has been built, at the bottom of a slight hill, it is at risk from flash flooding when there is heavy rainfall.”