Large areas of Southend and Rochford are at risk of "significant" flooding, it was warned.

The entire length of Southend seafront and adjacent flat areas, such as the Kursaal, are at risk according to a digital map produced by the Environment Agency.

Homes surrounding the Roach and Crouch rivers in Rochford are also at risk from the potentially devastating effects of flooding which may lead to increased insurance premiums.

George Krawiec, Southend chief executive and town clerk, said the town had done all it can to stave off the risk of flooding.

He said: "We have invested money in significant flood defences on the seafront, such as the Jubilee Beach, and they are in place all along the front.

"Equally, we have got appropriate plans in place if flooding does occur, and the council has done all it can.

"We will continue to encourage further investment from the Environment Agency as appropriate."

Rochford District Council say they have planned for flooding in the Rayleigh and Rochford area.

Paul Warren, chief executive of the council, said: "As a council we have an emergency plan in place and it has the necessary contingency for dealing with flooding anywhere in the district.

"There is also a lot of information on flooding on our website www.rochford.gov.uk."

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