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Flooding in Romford and Collier Row causes misery
One resident of Frinton Road in Romford makes the best of a bad thing, taking some youngsters for a ride in a dinghy through the floodwaters. - Credit: Paul Wood 07958 382323
Whilst a few residents took the opportunity to enjoy a boat trip, others have described it as a “nightmare”.
Rainna Saunders, 24, of Lodge Lane, recorded the video of the fast flowing River Rom in Collier Row Lane.
Chris Cockram, 26, of Walmer Close, Collier Row, said Collier Row Lane smells strongly of raw sewage.
He said: “It smells like a mixture of poo and stagnant water.
“It took me an hour and a half to drive my girlfriend to Newbury Park station after her bus was cancelled.
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“A couple of houses next to the river have been flooded.
“It’s mostly cars that have been written of, I think there’s going to be a lot of insurance claims made!”
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As residents head out to vote on the European Union referendum, Carly Ayres, Kenway, Collier Row, said she believed this would impact the outcome.
She said: “I have never seen flooding this bad before.
“My husband left for work at 6.45 this morning and it was gridlocked from our house to Romford then because of it.
“A lot of my friends have been stuck in traffic for three hours as well this morning.
“I think this is going to have an impact on the EU vote, as we do have a lot of elderly neighbours that wouldn’t want to go out in this weather so think it will make a difference.
Jan Stainer at polling station The Church of the Good Shepherd, Redriff Road, Collier Row, described the scene as a “nightmare.”
She said: “It’s been a nightmare. It took me an hour and 10 minutes to drop my granddaughter at school.
“I don’t think this will stop people from voting, we have already had a much busier flow than we do at local elections.
“People are keen to have their say.”
The Met Office has issued a severe weather warning valid until 6am tomorrow. Further scattered thunderstorms are forecast for the South East this afternoon and evening.
Havering Council’s emergency teams are out providing assistance to residents where flooding may risk properties. The floodline can be contacted on 0345 988 11 88
