Colchester Hythe surveyed by divers to tackle flooding

Eagle-eyed residents spotted a number of divers surveying the waters at the Hythe at the beginning of April. 

What first was thought to be an inspection by sea cadets for the safety of ships in the quay turned out to be an operation under the Hythe Taskforce, which was formed in May 2021. 

A spokesman for Colchester Council said: “We can confirm that divers were commissioned to survey the Hythe Quay area on Tuesday April 9, with a brief continuation on Wednesday morning, April 10.  

“This survey is part of the ongoing work of the Hythe Taskforce, established to address flooding concerns in the area. 

“The divers were specifically tasked with inspecting the flap valves located at Hythe Quay.  

“This information will be crucial in informing the next steps of the Hythe Task Force's plan to tackle flooding in the area.” 

The task force was former by MP Will Quince, who since then has decided to step down as the Conservative parliamentary candidate at the next general election and will not be able to continue working on the task force.

He told the Gazette: "I am sure councillor King will make an excellent chair and I look forward to continuing to work closely with him and others to find a solution to this long-standing issue.” 

The position of chairman was passed onto Colchester Council leader David King.

The group has met 13 times but has not yet brought about a resolution. 

David King told the Gazette previously he would get the task force on track this year.

He said: "The responsibility and expertise sits with Anglian Water as the water authority and Essex County Council as the lead local flood authority and highways authority. 

“We cannot undertake or commission work where they, and not us, have the authority to act.”

He added: “But this is our city, and we accept a responsibility to help our partners scope what must be done, to contribute if we can, and to get things moving in the new year.”