A pub had to be evacuated after part of its roof collapsed during yesterday’s storm.

Punters had to be escorted from the Manor House, in Melbourn Street, after heavy rain caused damage to the roof at about 5.30pm.

A spokesman for JD Wetherspoon, which owns the Manor House, said: “The guttering overflowed and rain water came through the roof and two floors, cutting the electricity and fire protection system. The pub was evacuated and closed. There were no injuries to staff or customers.

“The electricity is now back on, water damage repairs and clean up to ceilings and carpets is taking place today. The fire protection system is due to be checked and reinstated tomorrow, Tuesday.

“The pub should reopen again at some stage tomorrow on Tuesday afternoon.”

Highways contractors say the rain also “over-whelmed” drains yesterday leading to flooding in the town centre.

As reported on www.roystoncrow24.co.uk, Melbourn Street in the town centre was left flooded after a heavy downpour, with other nearby streets also affected.

Jerry Pert, Regional Director of Ringway, Hertfordshire County Council’s highways contractor, said: “We received reports of flooding on Melbourn Street from Hertfordshire Police just before 18:00 on 20 July. When our crews attended the site, the flood had already dissipated. We believe that the flood was caused by extremely heavy downpour which temporarily overwhelmed the drainage systems.”

Other streets which were flooded included Church Lane and the junction of Garden Walk and Hawthorn Way.