FLOOD-THREATENED bungalows were protected when a �2m defence barrier was put to the test for the first time – five years after it was built. For decades homes in Warrengate Road, North Mymms were devastated every time Mimmshall Brook burst its banks. But

FLOOD-THREATENED bungalows were protected when a �2m defence barrier was put to the test for the first time - five years after it was built.

For decades homes in Warrengate Road, North Mymms were devastated every time Mimmshall Brook burst its banks.

But last night (Monday) when waters began to rise the floodgate was closed and the homes protected.

The gates and floodwall were installed in 2004 and had not been tested in a real emergency.

Resident Jane Fielding survived four disasters in her 30 years in Warrengate Road.

Today (Tuesday) she told the WHT: "The road is still flooded, but I'm so grateful the bungalows are not.

"I had a phone call on Monday from the Environment Agency to say they were on their way.

"I was too excited to sleep last night, it was working, it was all such a relief."

Resident Liz Rowe was walking to work as an estate agent in Brookmans Park when the WHT caught up with her this morning.

She said: "The bungalows have been saved.

"It's been working really well."

Some drivers were having trouble as the water ran across the road and into the flood plain today.

Other drivers were being turned back as road closures were put in place at Dixons Hill Road, Swanland Road, Hawkshead Lane in Welham Green and Mutton Lane in Potters Bar.