Flood waters in Chingford are beginning to subside after a flood sluice was opened by the Environment Agency and Thames Water.

Police went door to door at around 3am overnight to reassure residents that their properties were not at risk as the water rose to depths of up to 60cm.

Sandbags were placed around an electrical station as a precaution.

No properties were directly affected, according to the fire brigade.

Hall Lane is currently closed in both directions between Waltham Way and Walthamstow Avenue.

The 444 bus is on diversion via Chingford Road and Chingford Mount Road.

An Environment Agency spokeswoman said the water level in the River Lea were extremely high overnight, putting properties at risk of flooding.

The agency confirmed that no residential properties were flooded and said one garage and several cars parked nearby were extensively damaged.

"Thames Water will be monitoring the situation going forward and will attend to operate the sluice gates again when necessary," the spokeswoman said.

"We do not anticipate any further issues."

 

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