Riverside areas targeted for millions of pounds of regeneration cash have been named as flood risks by a new Government website.

As the River Colne flows through The Hythe, Wivenhoe and Rowhedge, it has been identified as a low-risk area for flooding.

This is described by the Environment Agency as "unlikely to flood except in extreme conditions. The chance of flooding each year is 0.5 per cent (one-in-200) or less."

However, with global warming, the severe weather conditions, which could cause the Colne to burst its banks are becoming more frequent, with the last warning of possible flooding in Colchester given after heavy rain in February.

The situation is more acute on Mersea Island, where large areas are highlighted as being at "significant" risk of flooding caused by rising sea levels, with a one-in-75 chance.

The maps can be found at www.environment-agency.gov.uk

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Published Thursday, October 7, 2004

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