Roadworks on one of Colchester's busiest roads, which are due to cost £1.2m, are being carried out to stop flooding at just three homes.

But residents in the properties have said the work is "wonderful".

The work, which has so far sealed off Church Lane for nearly four months and caused lengthy tailbacks on Lexden Road, was triggered by the need to stop flood water at the Church Lane houses.

Businesses in Prettygate said the road closure has hit takings and at St Leonard's Church, in Lexden Road, concerns have been raised about the work interfering with funerals.

But for the residents in Church Lane the work offers a reprieve from the sewage and foul water from old narrow pipes, which has been bubbling up in heavy weather for the past ten years.

The road surface was also being badly affected by the floods, which have struck in tides more than a foot deep up to four times a year.

Resident Pat Green said she was delighted with the work.

Speaking from her home, which has become besieged by the recurrent deluges, she said: "We are pleased it is being done. Anglian Water are at last taking this seriously and have started the work.

"This a large and expensive job but it has to be to make sure it works."

Mrs Green has been forced to have a 2ft high flood barrier built around the base of her front door, and covers the inside of her door with masking tape in case of flood when she is not at home.

Another homeowner said: "The work is brilliant. It has been terrible, I have had sewage flowing through my house, it absolutely stank."

Sally Crosby, landlady of the Sun pub in Lexden Road, said she is still losing business due to the disruption but added: "The work has got to be done, hasn't it?"

A spokeswoman for Anglian Water confirmed new sewage and storm drain pipes were being laid to help three homes. She said: "We are trying to work with local people to minimise disruption."

Work is expected to continue in Church Lane for at least the next six weeks.

By David Grocott

Reporter's e-mail: david_grocott@thisisessex.co.uk

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