BUSINESS owners and drivers could be warned of bad flooding on the Hythe through new specialist signs as part of ongoing plans to solve “unacceptable” flooding in the area. 

The issue has been again discussed at the latest Hythe Taskforce meeting.

The taskforce was launched by Colchester MP Will Quince in May 2021 to tackle the area’s crumbling infrastructure and regenerate it.

The Hythe has been plagued by persistent flooding for decades, leaving residents facing lengthy waits and disrupting traders in the area.

The group has now recommitted itself to resolving the long-standing flooding issues, with the lead having passed from Mr Quince to Colchester Council leader David King.

Gazette: Fed-up - David King is the leader of the Hythe TaskforceFed-up - David King is the leader of the Hythe Taskforce (Image: Steve Brading)

A meeting earlier this month brought together local councillors, Mr Quince, representatives from Anglian Water, the University of Essex, Essex County Council, the Environment Agency, and other stakeholders.

Mr King emphasised the need for collaboration and partnership despite financial challenges and unclear responsibility for the issue.

The taskforce also recognised the growing number of flooding incidents and their “unacceptable impact” on residents, visitors, and businesses.

In the meeting, the group also noted progress towards remedial action against the issue.

One of these was “intelligent signage”, giving real-time flood warnings to inform residents and businesses.

An improved quayside non-return valve system, to reduce the occasional incidences of tidal water entering the drainage system from the River Colne and surcharging onto Haven Road, is also progressing.

The taskforce said it is working to investigate solutions to reduce frequent flooding on Haven Road caused by the tide-locked culverted Bourne Stream outfall and storms.

Gazette: Soaked - Haven Road, at the Hythe, Colchester, has suffered repeated flooding for many yearsSoaked - Haven Road, at the Hythe, Colchester, has suffered repeated flooding for many years (Image: Newsquest)

Mr King said: “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.”

Deputy chair of the taskforce, councillor Lee Scordis, added: “I am glad to see us making progress on this long-running issue. 

“While there is a still a lot of work to do going forward, we are now heading in the right direction.”

Upcoming meetings will focus on further studies and potential solutions for short- and long-term flood relief.

The taskforce will also break out into smaller collaborations focusing on different issues between the meetings.