DOZENS of residents attended a council meeting to share their flooding experiences as Castle Point Council prepares to hand over evidence to the Government.

Nearly 30 residents from Canvey and the mainland, who were affected by the flooding on Sunday, July 20, turned out.

Nearly a month’s worth of rain fell on Canvey in an hour – enough to fill Wembley Stadium – leaving homes and businesses devastated.

Angry residents demanded to know when the Environment Agency, Anglian Water and Essex Highways will be held accountable.

Dave Blackwell, chairman of the scrutiny committee, joked: “I think they probably thought they would get lynched.”

The agencies will give their evidence to the committee at meetings later this year. The dates have not yet been set.

Jordan Bowen moved into his house in Station Road, Canvey, with his wife and two young children just seven days before the floods.

Mr Bowen told the committee the family lost nearly everything they owned, as flood water rose up to two feet in places.

He said: “Everything we had saved for and had bought new for the new house is gone. As we had only just moved in so many boxes were still downstairs. It’s been quite distressing for the whole family.

“The insurers have been very helpful and thankfully as we had just moved in I’ve nearly a year left. But getting insured for next year, at this moment in time, we have been turned down by everyone and our excess could increase to £8,000.”

Ray Howard, councillor responsible for Canvey and floods, promised good news was to come for the island.

He added: “There’s no doubt all of us have great sympathy with the residents.

“There has been a lot going on behind the scenes to try and improve the drainage system that needs a complete overhaul on Canvey.

“I sincerely hope in the next month or so you will see statements made that are going to benefit Canvey.”