FLOOD sirens providing an early warning system for coastal residents will be scrapped, it has been confirmed.

Essex County Council branded the system, which cost more than £16,000 a year to run, out of date.

There are 36 flood sirens across the county, including in West Mersea, Brightlingsea, Wivenhoe and Jaywick.

The sirens were due to become obsolete by 2014, after the digital switchover, because they operate on an analogue signal, but it is understood they will be decommissioned in the next few weeks.

Instead, residents will rely on the Environment Agency’s early warning system, which includes text messages, e-mail alerts and automated telephone calls, but only covers 83 per cent of people who live in flood risk areas.

Jaywick residents wanted a replacement siren system to be installed.

Dan Casey, district councillor, said: “The vast majority of people wanted the sirens to stay.

“It’s a real shame the council has taken this decision.”

Tracey Chapman, councillor responsible for environment at County Hall, said: “Essex County Council has been conducting a review into whether it is appropriate to continue using the tidal flood siren system.

“The Environment Agency, which has responsibility for flood warnings, has worked hard for a much improved flood warning system, and we can now expect at least 12 hours’ notice of an impending flood.

“The police and Environment Agency have decided they will not authorise the use and sounding of the sirens and have expressed concern about their effectiveness if they are used.

“This, coupled with the age of the sirens, the difficulty in finding spare parts and the need to switch to a completely new digital system by 2014, means they are coming to the end of their natural life.”

Norfolk and Lincolnshire county councils have already made the decision to stop using the system.