Romford Councillor Slams Havering Council As ‘Dangerously Irresponsible’ As Pensioner Trapped In Water Logged Subway.

Romford Conservative councillor David Taylor has branded Havering Council “dangerously irresponsible” for failing to resolve repeated flooding in one of the borough’s subways.

The North Street subway, which links Como Street car park to Romford Town Centre, has once again become virtually impassable following heavy rainfall.

A disabled pensioner in Romford was left trapped in a flooded subway yesterday after her mobility scooter cut out in the water.

The underpass, which has been filled with water for several days, has been repeatedly flagged as a serious concern by local ward councillor David Taylor. Despite his calls for urgent action, no repairs have yet been made.

Police were called to the scene after the pensioner, who relies on oxygen, became anxious and unable to move. It reportedly took six officers to carry her scooter clear and ensure she was safe.

Cllr Taylor has long been highlighting flooding in Romford’s subways, frequently sharing photographs showing the extent of the problem. He has previously warned that residents would need wellington boots to get through the waterlogged underpass.

Speaking to The Havering Daily, Cllr Taylor said:

“On Tuesday morning an elderly resident was trapped in the subway as her mobility scooter cut out in the flooding. Police officers had to help her clear. The flooding continues to grow, now impacting the subway from North Street to the town centre, affecting daily commutes and cutting one side of the town from the other.”

The issue was first raised by Cllr Taylor on 16 September, but flooding has since worsened with no repair work in sight. Residents have even resorted to using broken fencing from nearby roadworks in an attempt to bridge the water.

Concerns over flooding in Romford’s subways are not new. In April 2024, following complaints from Cllr Taylor, Havering Council confirmed it was aware of problems at several sites, including North Street/St Edward’s Way, London Road/Brewery Roundabout, and Como Street/St Edward’s Way.

At the time, the council’s Flood & Water Management Team admitted it was “not cost effective to carry out expensive works to repair the equipment,” as the subways were due to be decommissioned in May 2025. However, a recent question to the council revealed that these replacement works have now been delayed.

Cllr Taylor said:

“Havering Council and the HRA administration are being dangerously irresponsible. They have known about this flooding for over a year and no action has been taken. The subways are, yet again, impassable and the flooding continues to grow. These large pools of stagnant water are a hazard.

With winter approaching, we need to see immediate action. Either close the subways and provide alternatives or fix the problem.

I am deeply disappointed that, when raising this with the Cabinet Member, I only receive a response telling me that it will be ‘logged’. No plan of action, no timelines, and no steps taken to warn residents of the flooding.”

Havering Council have been asked for a comment.

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