THERE are many architectural mysteries that have continued to keep the world guessing for years.
Why were the Moai statues built on Easter Island? How did a civilization without modern technology manage to assemble Stonehenge?
Perhaps for Colcestrians there is no bigger mystery than why the Hythe won’t stop flooding.
The issue has baffled councillors, experts and residents for decades and yet, despite various theories and breakthroughs, the flooding has persisted.
Its relentless nature has forced businesses to up sticks and leave due to the havoc caused to trade as the area becomes overwhelmed.
There are a number of accepted factors which people agree are contributing to the flooding.
Experts hailed a major “breakthrough” when they determined water is spilling from Bourne Pond, off Bourne Road, through to Distillery Pond, off Distillery Lane, and onto Haven Road.
But its significance soon had to be downplayed by then Colchester Council leader Paul Dundas in March last year after he conceded experts were having doubts.
It is also acknowledged the drainage in Haven Road and the surrounding area perhaps needs overhauling to cope with the water.
And high tides on the neighbouring River Colne, particularly when mixed with rainwater, make for a damning recipe.
Yet despite all of this, the flooding persists and the question remains: Where do we look next?
Old Heath and Hythe councillor Mike Lilley has called on Colchester council to team up with environment bosses at County Hall and fund a pump to temporarily resolve the issue.
Mr Lilley believes the pump could be used as a short-term solution while a permanent fix is found, but it will come with a hefty £100,000 price tag.
“We need to write to the council again and ask for the money to be funded and also write to the other authorities as well," he said.
"Between them they can fork out thousands each and we are there.
“They need to fork out the money for the pump first and work out long term measures in the meantime which I think is the best stance.”
Mr Lilley’s call for a pump has struck a chord with those impacted, with Old Health resident and trader Dave Smith launching a petition to boost the campaign.
Speaking to the Gazette, Colchester Council boss David King said work is continuing at the site but there are no plans for a pump right now.
He said Essex Highways has recently undertaken works on the road gullies in the Hythe and revealed County Hall is to seek Environment Agency support to fund flap valves.
Mr King stressed Essex County Council is the authority responsible for flooding and highways.
But he admitted all parties’ efforts have been knocked back by the inaction of a special group set up to remedy the flooding.
The Hythe Taskforce was established in May 2021 by Colchester MP Will Quince but it has not held a meeting since November last year.
Mr King said: “There is stuff happening but the Taskforce is not”.
It prompted Mr Quince to state the group is not dead in the water but that there is “nothing to update on”.
He added: “It was frustrating trying to arrange meetings and get engagement from councillors and to some extent the key stakeholders, but my interest in this remains high.”
And through no lack of trying, the Hythe and those affected remain without any real answer to their woes.
While attempts are being made to fix the issue, perhaps some light-hearted inspiration can be taken from mischievous resident Bryony Coles, 30, who kayaked down Haven Road during a flood.
She joked: “It was nice to use the new water feature.”
After all, who needs a car?
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