Heavy rain leads to flooding in parts of St Albans area

FLOODS hit some local areas over the weekend as storms brought heavy rain. The first place to be affected by the deluges was The Bull pub and restaurant in Wheathampstead where 50 people had to be evacuated on Friday when the premises flooded. Manager of

FLOODS hit some local areas over the weekend as storms brought heavy rain.

The first place to be affected by the deluges was The Bull pub and restaurant in Wheathampstead where 50 people had to be evacuated on Friday when the premises flooded.

Manager of 10 years, Dave Smith, said the drains were unable to cope as the rain water ran down into the village from the Hilldyke estate.

The water quickly rose to around one foot deep inside the pub, which had to close over the weekend but will reopen tonight (Monday).

The pub has flooded in the past when the adjacent river has burst its banks but Mr Smith said it was the first time that water has come through the front door of the pub.

Three fire crews attended the incident to pump out the water before using industrial strength fans to help dry it out.

Then on Saturday, in the second band of heavy rain to hit the area, firefighters were called out to The Avenue in Radlett just before 7pm to pump water out of a house there.

They were also called to nearby Newlands Avenue in Radlett a short while afterwards.

Markyate was also badly affected and firefighters were called upon to pump water out of five properties between 7.45pm and 9.30pm on Saturday night.

The roads affected were Farrer Top, London Road and Cheverells Close.