FLOODING: IT’S NOT OVER YET

People across Herts have been warned to expect more bad weather this week. Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue has responded to hundreds of calls since Thursday night as more heavy rain affected the whole county. Over the weekend they were particularly busy in the west of the county after the Grand Union Canal burst its banks and the River Colne caused flooding. Ringway, working on behalf of Hertfordshire County Council, received over 300 calls from residents over the weekend and had crews out across the county organising traffic diversions and pumping water from flooded roads. Richard Thake, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, said: “The flooding has had a significant impact across the county and I would like to reassure our communities that authorities in Hertfordshire have been working very hard to assist residents. We’re expecting more heavy rain this week and I strongly encourage everyone – and especially those unfortunate enough to have already been affected by the floods – to be prepared.” If you have concerns that your property is at risk from flood water, it may be worth purchasing sandbags from your local builders’ merchants. Advice on protecting your home from flood water as well as the latest updates on flood risk areas can be found at www.environment-agency.gov.uk. Further advice is available on the county council’s website www.hertsdirect.org/readyforanything Terry Douris, Cabinet Member for Highways, said: “I would like to thank everyone who has worked so hard over the weekend to get roads reopened or, where necessary, divert traffic. With more rain forecast, road travel this week is likely to be difficult at times and I’d like to remind everyone to plan ahead and allow extra time for journeys. Most importantly, please observe road closures and don’t try to drive through flood water.” The situation is changing rapidly so follow Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue on @HertsFRSControl and Highways on @Herts_Highways for updates on road closures and advice. Information on road closures is also available on www.hertsdirect.org/services/transtreets/highways/flooding Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Assistant Chief Constable Mick Ball said: “I would like to thank all of our communities for their co-operation and understanding of the challenges faced due to the floods. The response was an excellent example of partnership working with numerous agencies coming together to respond to the issues and risks presented. We are expecting further bad weather and I would like to take this opportunity to once again remind residents to consider their safety, particularly on the roads and obey any closures which may be in place.”