Updated Sunday 27th January 2002
Sewerage Threatens Town Centre

Hertford Town Centre was disrupted on Saturday after a fleet of tankers had to be brought in to empty the town's sewers following a blockage caused by heavy rainfall.

Up to a dozen tankers working in shifts pumped effluent from manholes outside Hertford East Station and in Railway Street, which was closed to traffic for six hours. In addition, more than half a dozen basements were flooded including a food outlet in The Wash and a shop in Maidenhead Street. There are also reports that an underpass was flooded.

The closure of Railway Street caused traffic congestion in the town as motorists sought alternative exit routes. Many of the town's Saturday Market stalls were unable to set up in Maidenhead Street as tankers emptied a flooded basement.

Three Valleys Water Company said that there was no threat to the town's water supply. Disruption will continue next week due to major gas main replacement in Railway Street, which is expected to last for 4-6 weeks. Motorists have been warned to expect long delays.