ENGINEERS believe they have identified the cause of persistent flooding on Colchester’s Hythe Quay.

Workman from Essex County Council have been working with Home Group, which is building 24 houses, to resolve a drainage problem that has caused persistent flooding for the last year.

Investigations have found the likely cause is a deeply buried drainage pipe which has been broken and blocked.

Home Group is attempting to fix the problem.

Joe Richardson, head of delivery, said: “We’re close to completing 24 new homes.

“Working with Essex County Council we’ve identified a blocked underground drain running through our site.

“We’ve appointed a specialist engineering company to examine the blockage and propose solutions.”

An Essex Highways spokesman said: “Our engineers, working with the developer, have found the likely cause of the problem and we are confident that a solution will be designed and installed quickly.”

Cyril Thomas, chairman of community group Hythe Forward, is delighted a solution may have been found.

He said: “We welcome the news. Flooding in the Hythe has been an issue for far too long."

Flooding problems continue to blight nearby Haven Road, caused by high levels of silt in the River Colne blocking drains.

Anglian Water, Essex County Council and Colchester Council are working on a solution.