FIRST we had days of snow and freezing weather, and now we have floods. After more than a week of adverse weather conditions, with over eight inches of snow dumped on Comet country, the thaw has brought a new problem with water draining from what were fro

FIRST we had days of snow and freezing weather, and now we have floods.

After more than a week of adverse weather conditions, with over eight inches of snow dumped on Comet country, the thaw has brought a new problem with water draining from what were frozen, snow-covered fields.

Minor country roads were already showing the first signs of flooding on Tuesday, as the sun came out and temperatures rose substantially above freezing for the first time in over 10 days, with large pools of water forming on roads making driving conditions hazardous.

Several rural areas had water several inches deep covering roads including the road through Titmore Green where the pond was overflowing and SperberryHill, St Ippolyts, where water spilled from the fields flooding the road to almost a foot deep.

A motorist had to be rescued by police between Weston and Cromer on Tuesday morning after their car got stuck in deep flood water, and police are warning motorists to take care over the next few days especially driving at night in unlit rural areas as the thaw continues.

"The weather over the last week has put everyone to the test, first with snow and ice and now with heavy rainfall," said the county's chief fire officer Ray Wilsher.

But before the thaw it was still playtime for both adults and children, who built igloos, giant snowmen and snow sculptures across the area.

The largest snowman was in Swinbourne Avenue, Hitchin, which was estimated to have been over 12ft high. Nearby was a large igloo that easily accommodated five people.

Chris Horrobin completed another ice sculpture near his home in Ivel Road, Stevenage. Mr Horrobin said the subject was a generic member of Libera, the boy choir who did the Waitrose Christmas advert.

* The adverse weather conditions have put extra pressure on Herts Police, who received 3,781 calls last week - 700 more than average for this time of year.

From Monday, February 2 to Sunday, February 8, police attended 82 emergency incidents in North Herts, against a daily average of 12, and 203 priority incidents, against a daily average of 23.

In Stevenage, police attended 70 emergency incidents against a daily average of 11, and 186 priority incidents compared to a daily average of 25.

Assistant chief constable Alison Roome-Gifford said: "Last week's weather made it a busy time for Hertfordshire Constabulary and a difficult one for all those in the county, particularly motorists driving in the snow and ice.

"But I am pleased to say that, despite the increase in calls, we were able to maintain the same level of service as in normal weeks."

* All refuse collections have also returned to normal, with many people having their first collections of refuse and recyclables in two weeks.