A MAJOR highways project has not made the slightest bit of difference to flooding, businesses have said.

Essex County Council has been working with Essex Highways, the Environment Agency and Colchester Council to fix flooding in Haven Road, Hythe.

In January, authorities said they were heavily investing in trying to solve the problem, but businesses say flooding has got WORSE.

Stephen Byerley, from Velvis Cars, said: “The flooding has reached an all time high. This is the worst it has ever been, causing damage potentially adding up to thousands of pounds.

“There is perimeter damage to our fencing and signs, restriction of access for customers, and damage to stock cars creating delay in sales.”

Drivers became stranded and traffic police were called out on Friday for two hours to relieve congestion.

Mr Byerley added: “Talks are ongoing to determine who is responsible for a resolution and, to date, I am unaware if a decision has been made.

“Until responsibility has been taken, businesses and the public will continue to be affected without compensation.”

Bob Bloomfield, finance director for Vaughan and Blyth Ltd, has tenants in Haven Road. He said: “On Friday it was the worst I have ever seen it. It’s a health and safety issue.

“I witnessed three cars breaking down in ten minutes because it was too deep to go through. The councils have nearly finished the work and it hasn’t made an ounce of difference.”

However, a spokesman for Essex Highways said there was a high spring tide warning on Friday and it was not to do with ongoing works.

She said: “Unfortunately the tide produced flooding. The floods team are talking to the Environment Agency to look at measures to prevent this damaging flooding in future.

“We have reports of drivers having gone through the floods at speed, making life difficult. The advice is always to use common sense and be careful.”