A FED-UP trader has launched a petition calling on Colchester Council to fund a pump to alleviate the Hythe’s flooding woes.

Car trader Dave Smith regularly commutes through troubled Haven Road when undertaking work at his Colchester firm Auto Trade Link, but has seen business suffer due to repeated flooding.

He is now among many residents calling for the council to team up with environment bosses at County Hall and fund a pump to temporarily resolve the issue, but it will come with a hefty £100,00 price tag

But despite further flooding chaos, Colchester MP Will Quince, who founded Hythe Taskforce, which consists of stakeholders looking to remedy the issue, says there is a plan of action.

In a desperate effort to rally the town into getting the issue sorted, Mr Smith has launched a petition to see a pump purchased, saying “enough is enough”.

He said: “Every day Haven Road in Colchester is flooding, causing disruption to residents, businesses and commuters.

“The Hythe taskforce set up by MP Will Quince, including councillors and others, has identified there is a problem, but to date has not been able to find a permanent solution.

“While discussions continue, people continue to face daily disruption.

“One temporary solution is to get a pump to clear the water away and keep the road clear; this will come at a cost of about £100,000.

“We are asking Colchester Council pay for the pump immediately and ask other relevant organisations to contribute if appropriate.

“This will allow the Hythe taskforce to find a permanent solution and give residents, businesses and motorists relief in the meantime.”

A Colchester Council spokesman said: “We are committed to working with our partners to identify and assist a solution to the ongoing issue of flooding on Haven Road.

“As the Local Flood and Highways Authority, Essex County Council is well placed to lead on this matter while opportunities for funding are explored further.

“We realise this situation continues to be difficult and upsetting for residents, businesses and motorists, but we would like to thank everyone for their patience while we do what we can to enable a permanent solution.”

To see the petition for yourself, visit bit.ly/3uDvX5t.