CALLS have been made to the Environment Agency to tackle flooding in north Essex after cars were left stranded for hours.

Heavy rain continued in Colchester and the surrounding areas over the weekend, creating an even worse situation in already severely hit areas.

The River Colne burst its banks near Castle Park in Colchester and Environment agency staff attended.

A spokesperson from the Environment Agency said: “Officers were out over the weekend making sure our automatic flood gates were working correctly, which they were, and activating the manual flood gates when required.

“On the River Colne we also have the East Mill Gate which is designed to drain high flows on the river when the river reaches a certain level.”

Chitts Hill and Agents Lane in West Bergholt were also severely hit.

One resident warned others to avoid the area on social media on Sunday after people attempted to drive through flood water.

His post said: “A car has been stuck and some toerags smashed the window and removed the alloy wheels, even in the flood.

“A DPD delivery van has been stranded for four hours.”

He added: “Signs clearly stated flood but people attempted to drive through and ignore it.”

Chitts Hill was closed for the rest of the weekend due to high water levels.

A bronze statue at Chappel Galleries in Colchester Road, Chappel was also submerged in water.

The ‘Figure Falling Backwards’ from 1979 looked as though it was floating down the river.

The statue by sculptor Brian Taylor usually sits on the riverbank.

Witham MP Priti Patel has called on the Environment Agency to take urgent action to address flooding in the Witham constituency.

A number of locations including Langford, Kelvedon and Great Braxted have been affected by heavy rainfall and rising river levels.

Ms Patel has also called on communities concerned by rain and water levels to check the Government’s flood information website and to report any incidents of flooding to her.

Ms Patel said: “Flooding can devastate lives and damage property.

“Many parts of the Witham constituency have had horrendous experiences caused by floods in previous years.

“I am calling on the Environment Agency to make sure they are taking all the steps necessary to protect lives and defend properties, especially at this time of the year.”

The Environment Agency is urging communities to check their flood risk and sign up to flood warnings as further rain is expected over the next few days. Carol Holt, flood duty manager at the Environment Agency, said: “Further rain over the weekend and more likely on Tuesday means a continued risk of flooding for parts of southern and central England over the next few days.”

Flood alerts were issued for the River Colne from Great Yeldham to Colchester and the Stour from Stratford St Mary and Dedham.

This video was filmed by Keith Savill