A PUMPING system on Canvey has been improved to stop blockages caused by fly-tipping, litter and garden waste.

Environment Agency staff have been working at the May Avenue pumping station over the last week to stop debris from collecting at the pumps, which stops them from working effectively.

The agency has invested in larger weed screens to ensure the water flow is maintained as well as a webcam to monitor any blockages.

When asked, the Environment Agency declined to give a figure of how much the work has cost to the Echo, however webcams at other pumping stations have cost in the region of £11,000.

A spokesman for the agency said: “Debris from fly-tipping, general litter and garden waste entering the watercourse often collects at the May Avenue pumping station.

“This can stop the pumps working effectively so to combat this we have recently tripled the size of the weed screens on the pump intake.

“By doing so, flow of water to the pumps is maintained ensuring they work effectively.”

He added: “We have also adjusted the settings and system controls to get maximum efficiency from the station.

“We have installed a webcam at the site so we can remotely monitor the weed screen for potential blockages, 24/7.”

Councillor Dave Blackwell, leader of the Canvey Independent Party, said: “That pumping station has always been a major issue because the rubbish gets washed down and it blocks the grill and it overflows.

“That’s when everybody gets concerned - when they see it overflowing.

“When it clogs up, it doesn’t work effectively.

“I am really pleased that the Environment Agency has done this work and I welcome any improvements.

“We have still got big issues with our drainage.

“We had a bit of a storm the other day and nobody really got flooded but it’s not been properly tested yet with really heavy rain.

“I am hoping that it will be ok but the proof will be in the pudding and it might not be resolved.”

Canvey councillor Ray Howard added: “It’s gratifying to know that the Environment Agency is investing in our pumps and I am pleading with the public to be cautious when they are throwing rubbish and debris because it ends up getting in the grills of the pumps and causing it to malfunction.”

The Echo reported in March how bricks, tyres, wooden panels and even household rubbish were dumped into river dykes which protect the island from flooding.

Environment Agency officials have reiterated the need for the dykes to be kept clear.