A TASKFORCE dedicated to fixing the Hythe’s flooding woes has met for the first time since last autumn.
The Hythe Taskforce was launched by Colchester MP Will Quince in May 2021 with the aim of tackling the area’s crumbling infrastructure and championing its regeneration.
But the MP admitted he had become frustrated by a lack of progress earlier this year, stating: "I refuse to call a meeting when there is nothing to update on”.
The group met for the first time since November on Friday and heard fresh suggestions about the Hythe’s issues.
Mr Quince said: “Despite it feeling like groundhog day, we again pushed Anglian Water, Essex County Council and Colchester Council to work with the Environment Agency to find a short and long-term fix for the flooding.
“I am hugely frustrated by the ongoing flooding situation, as are the local councillors, but we are determined to hold the above organisations to account in finding and funding a short and long-term fix.
“Local residents and businesses deserve nothing less.”
During the meeting, costings for digital signs to alert drivers of flooding at high tide and the estimated price of raising the level Haven Road were presented.
A temporary pump has long been a remedy floated by officials but with no answer as to where the water is pumped.
Wivenhoe town councillor Glyn Evans told those at the meeting he believes it should be pumped into the marshes on the Rowhedge Trail, which become dry over the summer months.
His call was backed by Old Heath and the Hythe councillor Mike Lilley, who said: “We could be looking at two solutions here.
“Not only would we be helping the wildlife but we’d be allowing vehicles to stay on the move in Haven Road.
“It would be a temporary solution but there are no other solutions other than those which are long term and will cost millions of pounds which no-one has.”
It is estimated a temporary pump will cost at least £100,000, but £50,000 is already available in contributions from developer Beyond the Box.
“We feel the temporary pump is the best available solution as it could be easily controlled by the fire service as they do in other places,” added Mr Lilley.
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