Villagers were today (Monday) repelling rising flood waters as they faced a second deluge in a week.

Residents in White Colne suffered a repeat of last Monday's flooding as the river overflowed again.

And the water was almost coming over the bridge at Chappel as levels continued to rise.

The A120 was partially flooded at Marks Tey. Argents Lane between West Bergholt and Fordham and parts of Aldham were also under water.

Firefighters from Sible Hedingham battled to save properties through the night.

Swan Street flooded again outside the Sugar Loaves pub.

Halstead sub officer Peter Robertson said they had been called out to Bulmer, Greenstead Green, Gosfield and the Hedinghams.

"We can only do so much because there is so much water about," he said.

"There is nowhere to pump it. It's coming back in as fast as we can pump it out. The drains just can't cope with the torrent of water. It's difficult to stand up in."

In Halstead the River Colne took just hours to rise close to danger levels after falling over the weekend.

"Yesterday it was like a summer day it was that low but now it's up again," said Mr Robertson.

"We are just hoping and praying it doesn't flood again."

By Chris Wilkin

Reporter's e-mail: chris_wilkin@thisisessex.co.uk

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