Herts County Council say 45 homes flooded in Hitchin

In a statement, the council said 45 properties in the Woolgrove Road and Green Lane area of Hitchin have been flooded after the River Purwell burst its banks in the early hours of this morning.

The Fire and Rescue Service is supporting residents at the scene and doing all they can to keep them safe, with many being evacuated.

Flooding at Woolgrove Road earlier today. (Image: Pippa Akram) North Herts Council has since set up a "respite centre" at St Faiths Church, where those impacted can go to stay safe, warm and dry

The council are also liaising with the Environment Agency.

• Follow our live blog for the latest updates on floods in North Herts and Stevenage

Reverend Melanie Crowley of St Faith's Church opened its doors this morning to allow families affected by the flooding to stay.

She said: "They can't use the community centre as its flooded, so I unlocked the church. 

"Staff from North Herts Council are down there looking after the people who need to be."

St Faith's Church on Woolgrove Road is working with North Herts Council to help those affected by flooding nearby. (Image: Google Maps) Rev Crowley hoped that it would be useful for those with children coming back from school as many were "families".

"It's simply a place to go for a cup of tea and a biscuit as for many their downstairs has been flooded twice in a week," she added.

Herts County Council have ensured that they understand residents’ concerns and frustrations and are doing everything to support those who have been impacted by the flooding in Hitchin.

The council published these safety tips for residents:

Travelling

Residents should take extra care, check for road closures and delays before travelling, don’t walk or drive through floodwater and stay safe if you do need to travel and drive to the conditions.

Medical

If your property is flooded and medication has been damaged please speak to your local pharmacy. For anyone with serious medical conditions that are being made worse by flooding please phone 111, or 999 in an emergency.

To report a flood go to Flooding and water | Hertfordshire County Council

If you wish to find out more about flood risks and how to protect your property at Flood risks and protecting your property | Hertfordshire County Council

For central government advice go to  GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)