COLCHESTER’S MP says he wants to find a long-term solution to flooding in the Hythe after “years of buck-passing”.

Will Quince set up a Hythe Taskforce in a bid to finally tackle crumbling infrastructure in Colchester’s Hythe and help with its regeneration.

It has brought together councils and councillors, utility and transport firms and representatives of the University of Essex, while aiming to tackle long-standing problems in the area, such as the persistent flooding in Haven Road.

But as the flooding continues to wreak havoc, Mr Quince says he has become fed-up with “unhelpful” comments from people.

Read more: Council leaders agree deal for town centre masterplan including new bus station

In a series of tweets, the MP urged residents and councillors to speak with someone who attended the most recent taskforce meeting, rather than speculating online.

Mr Quince tweeted: “Please speak with someone who attended the most recent Hythe Taskforce meeting for an update on the investigatory works and the plan of action.

“I get the frustration but don’t tweet, do something about it.

“I could have just tweeted criticising the two local authorities, councillors and Anglian Water for years of buck-passing and inaction but I refuse to virtue signal and want to find real short, medium and long-term solutions to this decades old issue.

“That’s why I set up the taskforce.

Gazette: Transformed - Colchester MP Will Quince has lost six stone in a year. Picture: Nikki Powell

“I get there are local elections coming up and councillors want to be seen to be taking action and calling for others to take action, so please talk up what we have all done on the taskforce, the investigatory works and the potential medium and long term solutions we are exploring.”

It comes amid calls for environment bosses at Essex County Council to purchase a pump, which could cost £100,000, to remedy the issue.

Mr Quince added: “A pump is a potential temporary solution we are exploring with @EnvAgencyAnglia.”

Fed-up Old Heath and Hythe councillor Mike Lilley said: “The Hythe Taskforce has met for nearly a year and where are we? More flooding yesterday with the road closed.

“There has been too much talk and not enough action. Get the pump in now, stop talking and start working to help motorists and the businesspeople along Haven Road.”