Hythe flooding taskforce will continue without MP

Several theories have been suggested as to why Haven Road in Colchester becomes so badly flooded

A taskforce set up to tackle a long-standing flooding problem will continue despite its MP stepping down, a city council has said.

Businesses and motorists in the Hythe area of Colchester have been plagued by flooding for decades.

Conservative MP Will Quince set up the taskforce in May 2021 to establish the cause but he is set to stand down as an MP at the next general election.

Council leader David King said work would continue in his absence.

Liberal Democrat Mr King, who took charge of the taskforce earlier this month, said there had been a "growing number of flooding incidents" which had an "unacceptable impact" on residents, visitors and businesses.

"We understand the long-standing frustration and difficulty caused by flooding in the Hythe. If we can stick at this, continue to share resources and expertise, and work together, we will make progress," he said.

Colchester's Conservative MP Will Quince set up a taskforce to determine the cause of the city's flooding issues in the Hythe

Several theories have been floated as to why the Hythe, particularly on Haven Road, has continued to suffer from flooding.

High tides on the River Colne, heavy rainfall and overspill from nearby Distillery Pond and Bourne Pond have all been suggested as possible causes.

• Listen: Business owners on Haven Road say the flooding there is getting worse

The taskforce has brought together local councillors, Mr Quince, representatives from Anglian Water, the University of Essex, Essex County Council, the Environment Agency, and other stakeholders.

A Colchester City Council spokesman said the group had made progress towards installing flood warning signs in the Hythe.

He said the taskforce wanted to improve the quayside's non-return valve system that it believed would reduce incidences of tidal water entering the drainage system and discharging on to Haven Road.