FOR only the second time in its existence, a floodgate had to be closed – after 1.5 inches of rain fell in a matter of hours.

On the advice of the Met Office, the gate at Warrengate Road in North Mymms, was shut by the Environment Agency at 11.30pm on Tuesday of last week.

Flood warning officers made the move to protect local properties deemed to be at risk of flooding from Mimmshall Brook.

The first time the floodgate – constructed in 2004 at a cost of �2m – was closed was on February 9, 2009, following a band of heavy rain which, in combination with rapid snow melt, caused river levels to rise.

Flood warning duty officer Mandy Sullivan said: “The rain would almost certainly have flooded the houses on Warrengate Road in the past and so the floodgate has really shown its worth again.

“This shows the importance of our early warning systems, particularly when we can take action to protect properties from the devastating impacts of flooding.”

The floodgate held back the water until the river levels fell and water returned to the river channel.

Ms Sullivan added: “I would still urge everyone to check your level of risk and find out what you can do to protect yourself from flooding.”

For more information call Floodline on 0845 988 1188.