Council looking for solution to stop flooding in Water Lane

Heavy rainfall struck Watford at the weekend, with Water Lane having now been closed for several days due to standing water.

Hertfordshire County Council says it hopes to reopen the road as soon as possible, explaining that high water levels in the River Colne means the pump that normally pumps flood water away from Water Lane and into the river is not able to do so.

But with flooding in Water Lane not a new problem, the council also said it is “assuring residents” that it is working to improve the situation in the road.

It comes after Liberal Democrat Central Watford councillor Stephen Giles-Medhurst said that “ongoing issues” in the road need to be resolved.

He said: “The bottom line here is that it is a known problem area, and it is disappointing that it (Water Lane) had to be closed.

Water Lane pictured on Sunday. 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

“This needs to be opened as soon as possible. If there are ongoing problems here, I expect the council to come up with a scheme to resolve the ongoing issues.”

Read more - Councillor gives update on flood and why road is still closed

A spokesperson from the council said: “Unfortunately the high-water levels in the River Colne mean that the pump that normally pumps flood water away from Water Lane and into the river isn’t able to do so.

“Our highways team are keeping a close eye on the situation and will reopen the road as soon as possible. We are looking for a long-term solution to this problem, but it’s a complicated issue and something we can’t fix quickly. We would like to assure residents that we are working to improve the situation.”