St Albans MP Anne Main is calling for the Environmental Agency (EA) to review its maintenance procedures following the floods across the city.

In a statement published by Mrs Main’s office she spoke of her ‘heartbreak’ at seeing homes devastated by floodwater.

She said: "It was heartbreaking travelling around the constituency seeing water levels rising as helpless residents looked on. Whilst I could see sand bags being delivered to houses on the banks of the River Colne, it appears little was available to help people who found themselves watching water running down into their gardens and kitchens.

"On top of all this many of the roads were blocked, creating traffic chaos on major and minor routes in and around St Albans.

"Too many of my constituents, like Ken Peak of London Colney Village Concern, feel this could have been prevented had routine maintenance been undertaken throughout the years on gullies, ditches and river banks. I think in this respect the Environment Agency has let down my constituents."

Mrs Main has also spoken to London Colney councillors, who were looking at sandbagging the immediate vulnerable areas around the river.

Most parish councils have a small amount of aqua bags for the most vulnerable people affected, however, St Albans District Council has advised residents to look for sand bags at the various builders merchants in the area should they need to protect their properties.

Mrs Main added: "I urge those vulnerable to flooding and those who have been affected to check the Environment Agency’s website as well as St Albans District Council’s for local information; or contact the EA by phone for advice. If anyone finds themselves in immediate danger they should contact the emergency services."