Councillor gives update on Water Lane flooding in Watford

Central Watford councillor Stephen Giles-Medhurst has been told Water Lane will remain shut for the time being with the tunnel still full of water.

After pressing council officers for an answer about when the road will reopen, the councillor was told work to clear the tunnel had been delayed because the water level in the nearby River Colne is the same as that of the level of water in the tunnel.

A Hertfordshire County Council officer explained to Cllr Giles-Medhurst that a subcontractor has been on site in Water Lane to assess the situation but water levels need to drop in the river first before action can be taken.

Water Lane pictured on Sunday. Credit: Rory Robinson

Cllr Giles-Medhurst said in a post on social media: "The county council's pump subcontractor has now been to site and found that the level of water in the River Colne is the same as that in the tunnel, meaning the pump cannot discharge properly until the river level has dropped, hence the time taken to clear the flood.

"They also cannot fully check the pump to ensure its working until the level drops.

"It's not just the river level that has caused the problem but the downward slope from Water Lane and Bushey Hall Road and combination of the water gathering in the low point in the tunnel."

Pictures taken over the weekend showed some vehicles trapped in floodwater in Water Lane near the entrance to the Premier Inn hotel, but images taken today show most of the flooding is now in or near the tunnel, prone to flooding, which connects Watford with Bushey.

Credit: Rory Robinson

Water Lane pictured on Monday afternoon with most of the flooding now contained to within the tunnel. Credit: Cllr Stephen Giles-Medhurst

Cllr Giles-Medhurst added: "The water levels on the road have subsided, and layer of silt has been left. Watford Borough Council, via Veolia, have been asked to help clear this.

"Until the water has gone and the road is swept the county council say they will keep the road closed as it is not safe.

"Once everything is back to more normal levels, the county will arrange for the drainage system to be jet cleaned properly."

A flood alert from the Environment Agency remains in force for the River Colne in the Watford and Rickmansworth area, however a flood warning for the river near Batchworth and Moneyhill, Rickmansworth, has been removed.

This map from the Environment Agency shows where the flood warning is no longer in place and a flood alert is live near Watford

An update on the agency's website says: "This flood warning has been removed. Levels in this section of the River Colne have being falling steadily today on Tuesday February 2 and we do not expect any further flooding to properties.

"A flood alert remains in force for the wider area. Flooding may still affect roads and low lying land. Further showers are forecast today and heavier rainfall is forecast on Wednesday February3.

"It is possible river levels may rise in response to this. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and re-issue this warning if necessary.

"Please monitor local water levels and weather conditions. You should avoid walking, cycling or driving through flood water."