Mid-Essex has been put on unofficial flood alert in fear that really heavy autumn rains could lead to even worse flooding than last year.

Residents in vulnerable areas of the Chelmer Valley have been advised to make preparations and prepare sandbags and get additional advice from the Environment Agency.

Despite a summer of work by the agency on improved defences at Sandford Mill Cottages - where families are still waiting for their homes to be ready to move back to after last October's deluge - new flooding cannot be ruled out, says Essex Emergency Planning.

Water remained in the ground from last year and was topped up by some heavy rain in the summer leaving the mid-Essex water table higher than it was last autumn when the continuous rain began.

"That could mean even with all the work that has been done there could be problems if we get heavy and continuous rain again and that is something you cannot predict," said an emergency planning spokeswoman.

Mrs Leo Wollner has spent nearly £30,000 improving defences at Barnes Mill which takes part of the flow of the Chelmer which has to be maintained by her as landowner.

"It is not always realised that our vigilance here helps save the centre of Chelmsford from flooding. Last year the problem was basically that so much water had built up the homes in Sandford Mill Cottages had to be sacrificed to the flood to save Chelmsford itself from flooding after the failure of the system."

Under deeds of ownership she has to operate and make arrangements for the operation while she is away of the Mill's important private sluice to help the public-owned system in the town centre work efficiently.

She is also worried that plans to build an irrigation reservoir at Manor Farm could add to the vulnerability of valley homes at times of high water. Borough councillor Duncan Lumley is set to oppose the scheme at a crucial county meeting on October 26.

The Emergency planning department spokeswoman added:"It is each individual householder's responsibility to be prepared for flooding by just looking at the way the land falls towards their property and decide where sandbags might be needed in an emergency. By calling Floodline on 0845 9881188 advice can be obtained from the Environment Agency.

"People in really vulnerable areas should now be on a list to be contacted direct if there is a strong possibility of flooding but they can make sure they are registered for that service by calling the Floodline number.

"Whether there will be any flooding this year depends entirely on how much rain we get and that cannot be predicted too far in advance although generally there will be at least 12 hours warning of possible flooding," she said.

More information on the Environment Agency's Floodline website

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