Families in a south Essex village today called for urgent action after rainwater and sewage flooded their homes.
Houses in Fen Close, Bulphan, were under more than a foot of water while nearby homes in Church Lane were only saved by heroic efforts from dozens of neighbours and an industrial pump.
Rob Vogel, of Church Lane, said he and neighbours have been holding all-night vigils to keep an eye on the water threat - which they claim is caused by blocked drainage ditches.
He hired a huge industrial pump with a four-inch diameter hose to keep the water from his home.
"We had 60 people here and in neighbouring homes using brooms to brush the water away, but it kept rising," he said.
"My family, including my children aged six and ten, have not been able to have a wash for days. We need help."
Published Friday, January 3, 2003
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