12 July 2007 MP Inspects Flood Damage North East Herts MP Oliver Heald has visited the sites of flood damage in the village of Barley with Parish Council Vice Chairman Phil Smith. Cllr Smith showed Oliver a number of homes where floors have been damaged and carpets ruined. He also showed Oliver a number of footpaths which have been washed away.  A major pressing concern is the continued closure of the road in Shaftenhoe End, where a major landslip occurred. Photographs show Oliver and Cllr Smith standing in the road next to the landslip, which is one hundred yards long and six feet high in places and completely blocks the road. Commenting, Oliver Heald said, “I have taken up the issue of flood protection in Hertfordshire in the House of Commons and I have contacted Hertfordshire Highways following my inspection of the damaged sites. It really is very urgent that the road is cleared because local residents are being greatly inconvenienced and farmers are having to use the centre of Barley for access during harvest. I am very grateful to Cllr Smith for taking the time to show me the areas worst affected.”