Work is continuing to solve flooding problems in gardens from Porters Brook in Colchester.

The borough council is to create a manhole cover so it can put cameras down along the piped section of the watercourse just off St Andrew's Avenue.

Originally the council wanted to use an existing manhole in the garden of a resident of Weggs Willow, but the householder said he wanted compensation.

Now it will build a new one behind St David's Close to find the location and size of blockages thought to be causing flooding in residents' gardens over the last few years.

Barry Layzell, head of highway and engineering services said they have now reconsidered their approach and work will start in a few weeks.

He said it was essential to sort out the downstream problems in pipework before they could do anything about where the brook goes into open water towards Ipswich Road.

Mr Layzell said if the cameras detected problems with pipework near residents' land it would have to be dealt with as necessary.

Householders are responsible for maintaining the area of pipework nearest to their properties.

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