After a long campaign by MP Rebecca Harris and local councillors, work is set to begin on 15th December to prevent an underground river in the Bilton Road area of Hadleigh from blocking and adding to flooding issues for nearby properties.

The work involves fitting a specially made rubbish filter at the point at which a ditch running along Hadleigh Junior and Infant Schools’ playing fields enters an underground watercourse.

The underground river runs through a pipe under a number of properties in the area. In August 2013 a blockage in the stream added to drainage issues in the area that saw numerous houses flooded in the heavy rain.

Essex County Council Highways Department is undertaking the work with support from the Castle Point Highways Panel.

Commenting on the new grate Castle Point MP Rebecca Harris said:

“Local councillors and I were out seeing the damage for ourselves at night last year since when it has continued to cause major stress and fear for residents whenever it rains heavily.

“Essex Highways have upgraded their gully clearance schedule for the road drains and hopefully this new grate will tackle the problem at the other end.

“I want to thank Hadleigh Infants school for their co-operation and the Castle Point Highways Panel for finding the funding for this and responding to councillors and myself to cut through bureaucracy and get it done.”

Hadleigh Councillor Norman Ladzrie, said:

“The flooding caused great hardship to residents who united and gave help to all those who were flooded in their area. I am very pleased that works are starting on this.”

Council Leader Colin Riley, who is also a Hadleigh Councillor, added:

“I am very keen to support all residents who have suffered flooding and continue to support Essex County Council initiatives.”