A family whose home was flooded more than half a year ago has been forced to pay council tax on a house they cannot live in.

Paul Hewitt’s home in Colne Chase, Witham, was left 12 inches under water after the town was hit by flooding in September last year.

Surveys carried out when they bought the house found there was no risk of flooding, but the family believes poorly maintained drains nearby caused the overflow.

Since September, the Mr Hewitt, his wife and his two-year-old son Jacob have been staying in temporary accommodation in Maltings Court after initially staying with relatives, while their home has dried out and has been redecorated.

The family have not been eligible for a reduction in council tax and have paid full tax on two properties - despite only using one.

See this week's Witham Times for the full story.