PLANS to spend £140,000 on flooding problems in mid- Essex have angered people on Canvey whose homes and businesses were ruined by floods.

Essex County Council is spending £140,000 on a scheme providing a permanent solution to road flooding problems in Terling Hall Road, Hatfield Peverel.

Five weeks of work began this week to install a drain that will direct rainwater into an existing drain at the top of the A12 embankment.

Dave Fisher, 49, and his family were forced out of their home in San Remo Road due to flood damage on Sunday, July 20.

Mr Fisher said: “It’s disgraceful.

We were told money was being spent on Canvey, but nothing seems to be happening. It’s down to business as there are no big businesses on Canvey.

“Even today there are still drains on the island that are full of concrete.

“We’ve moved out and work hasn’t even begun on our house yet. Something needs to be done.”

Dave Blackwell, leader of Canvey Independent Party, said: “I congratulate the county council on doing this for the people of Hatfield Peverel, but the money has got to be spread equally.

“There should be an emergency fund to help as at the moment there will be an awful lot of people unhappy with the response they are getting from county. I’m peeved about it – its Canvey the forgotten isle once again.

“The county council needs to keep people in touch and let them know what they are doing otherwise things like this will leave a bad taste in people’s mouths.

“The message for county really is don’t forget us.”

But Ray Howard, the councillor responsible for highways and transportation, said there is good news to come for Canvey.

He said: “Essex Highways’ cleaning crews have been working extremelyhard to clean out drains and gullies on Canvey and other areas of Castle Point so that surface water caused by heavy rainfall can drain away.

“There will be some more good news about drain clearance on Canvey Island in the coming weeks.

“Terling Hall Road has flooded on a number of previous occasions, resulting in the road becoming impassable, therefore making the current works essential. Essex County Council is tackling road flooding across the county, to identify the worst flooding points and take action to clear culverts, empty and jet gullies and remove debris.

“Investing resources sensibly in this way will prevent future flooding in a number of areas around Essex.”