Havering Council Investigates Romford North Street Subway Flooding

Key Points

• Havering Council is fully aware of flooding issues in Romford’s North Street subway and is actively investigating the cause.
• The subway flooding has rendered the North Street pedestrian underpass impassable repeatedly, including incidents where residents, including a disabled pensioner, have been trapped.
• Conservative Councillor David Taylor has repeatedly raised alarms over flooding, describing council response as dangerously irresponsible.
• Flooding issues were first officially flagged in 2024, with the council admitting expensive repairs were delayed due to plans to decommission subways in May 2025 — now postponed.
• Residents have resorted to unsafe measures such as using broken fencing to cross waterlogged passages.
• Police intervention was required to rescue a disabled pensioner trapped in the flooded underpass in late September 2025.
• The council’s Flood & Water Management Team is involved in the ongoing investigation.
• Winter approaching has intensified calls for immediate action, either to close subways with alternatives or effect repairs.
• Havering Council has faced criticism for lack of timely, clear communication on repair timelines or protective measures for residents.

What is the current status of the Romford subway flooding issue?

As reported by David Taylor, Conservative Councillor for Romford in The Havering Daily, the North Street subway in Romford remains severely flooded following heavy rainfalls, with water levels making the underpass virtually impassable. This flooding has persisted for several days, impacting daily commutes between Como Street car park and Romford Town Centre, with no repairs yet undertaken. On one occasion, a disabled pensioner reliant on a mobility scooter and oxygen was trapped when the scooter malfunctioned in around the floodwater. Police officers had to intervene to carry the scooter clear and ensure her safety, highlighting the seriousness of the issue.

Councillor Taylor described the situation as “dangerously irresponsible” on the part of Havering Council and the Havering Residents Association, emphasising that despite numerous warnings and photographic evidence shared since September 2024, no effective action has been taken to alleviate the problem. He warned that lingering pools of stagnant water create a hazard and called for urgent winter-ready responses.

Why has the flooding problem in Romford subways persisted for so long?

Flooding in Romford’s subways is an ongoing problem, with Councillor Taylor having first raised official concerns in September 2024. In April 2024, after complaints from Taylor, the Havering Council acknowledged issues at several subway locations, including North Street/St Edward’s Way and other key junctions.

The council’s Flood & Water Management Team admitted at that time that it was not cost-effective to carry out expensive repair works, as these subways were due to be decommissioned by May 2025. However, recent council disclosures reveal that the replacements and decommissioning schedule has been delayed, prolonging exposure to the flooding risk without interim fixes.

Residents impacted by ongoing floods have taken makeshift measures, such as using broken fencing from nearby roadworks, to cross submerged sections, despite safety risks. This extended delay and lack of repairs have been strongly criticised by local representatives.

What investigations and flood management actions have been taken by Havering Council?

Havering Council, acting as the Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA), has a statutory duty under the Flood and Water Management Act (2010) to investigate flooding incidents within its jurisdiction. In October 2022, the council commissioned a Section 19 flood investigation report from consultancy Jacobs to assess ramifications of a major June 2021 flood event that affected multiple borough locations.

The 2022 Havering flood investigation report acknowledges the extreme intensity and volume of rainfall as a primary cause, estimating a one-in-five annual exceedance probability for the event. It provided high-level analysis of flood causes, coordinated responses with risk management authorities, and recommended improvements for future flood response protocols.

While the 2021 audit was comprehensive for broader borough flooding events, it does not specifically solve the ongoing recurring subway flooding. The council’s Flood & Water Management Team continues to examine the North Street subway issues, which have been complicated by aging infrastructure and budget prioritisation due to planned subway decommissioning.

How have local politicians and residents reacted to the council’s handling of the flooding?

Councillor David Taylor has publicly condemned Havering Council’s response as “dangerously irresponsible.” Speaking to The Havering Daily, Taylor expressed deep disappointment that his frequent calls for urgent intervention often received only perfunctory responses, such as the flooding issue simply being “logged” without detailed plans or timelines.

Taylor criticised the lack of forward planning, particularly with winter approaching when flooding risks could escalate further. He urged the council to either close the affected subways with safe alternative routes or immediately commence repair works to safeguard residents’ safety and mobility.

Local residents have echoed concerns over disrupted commutes and health hazards posed by prolonged stagnant water in subways. The incident involving the trapped disabled pensioner accentuated wider worries about vulnerable residents at risk.

Police confirmed their involvement was necessary due to the severity of the flooding and risks posed, indicating the incident was not isolated but symptomatic of a broader failure in managing the subway infrastructure.

What is Havering Council’s official response to the flooding crisis?

As of early October 2025, Havering Council has stated publicly that it is fully aware of the flooding situation in the Romford subway and is actively investigating its causes. The council is working with its Flood & Water Management Team and other relevant bodies to address the underlying drainage and infrastructure concerns that contribute to the recurring problem.

However, specific timelines for repairs or alternatives have yet to be communicated. The council has been urged by media and residents alike to increase transparency and urgency in delivering a practical solution before conditions worsen over the winter season.

The council’s emphasis on ongoing investigations reflects an operational focus, but critics, led by Councillor Taylor, maintain this approach falls short of the proactive measures required for public safety.

What are the broader implications for public safety and urban infrastructure?

The Romford subway flooding highlights challenges faced by urban councils managing ageing pedestrian infrastructure in the face of increasingly frequent and intense rainfall events intensified by climate change.

Stagnant floodwaters not only disrupt daily life but pose significant risks of injury, especially for vulnerable populations such as elderly or disabled residents. The delays stemming from planned decommissioning and budget constraints raise difficult questions about balancing infrastructure renewal against immediate public safety needs.

This case exemplifies the necessity for local authorities to adopt flexible, anticipatory flood management strategies that prioritise resident safety, ensure accessibility, and maintain clear communication to mitigate risks during transitional infrastructure phases.

The flooding crisis at Romford’s North Street subway remains a pressing public concern, with Havering Council under significant pressure to move beyond investigation into effective, timely interventions. Councillor David Taylor’s vocal criticism underscores the community’s frustration with ongoing disruptions and hazard exposures. As investigations proceed, residents and local officials alike advocate for solutions that prioritise safety and connectivity in Romford’s town centre.