CONTINUOUS flooding in a busy area of Canvey is causing a host of problems for residents.

Prolonged heavy rain over the bank holiday weekend caused issues for several areas of the island, but Western Esplanade at the junction of Furtherwick Road near the Labworth restaurant became almost impassible.

The flooding was caused by the surface water not being able to escape through the blocked drains.

But the flooding has caused a host of problems, not least for drivers with a number of cars breaking down.

Della Crooks, 47, of Furtherwick Road, admitted the ongoing issue is a nightmare, and has happened regularly in the 14 years she has lived on the road.

She said: “This happens every year now and it cannot just keep going on. The whole house smells like wet cloth and it is disgusting.

“People are driving through there like idiots, far too quickly and breaking down, we have had about five cars towed in the last couple of days. No-one can walk through the gardens opposite because they are totally waterlogged.

“It is disgraceful. Some people were letting their kids play in the water, personally I think that’s dangerous anyway, but it is a blind corner and the way that cars fly around there it is so dangerous.

“There is one guy who lives on the corner who can’t even get out the front of his house, he has to use his backdoor and get out that way. “

It is unclear what is blocking the surface water drains in the area, which are the responsibility of Anglian Water and Essex Highways, but it is thought to be general dirt and grime which is causing the problems.

Residents have claimed the flooding happens regularly, always causing the same problems and cars break down trying to drive through.

Mrs Crooks added: “I have lived here for 14 years and it has always been the same every time we have heavy rainfall.

“It is an important road as well, we have a lot of cars drive through here, and this just cannot keep going on.”

Castle Point councillor Ray Howard, a member of Essex Flood Partnership Board representing Castle Point, previously stated the flooding was a main priority, and will be requesting dates for the work at a meeting on Thursday.

He said: “We have started the new financial year and Western Esplanade is a number one priority.

“I have a meeting on Thursday and will be asking for dates, and I want confirmation and a programme of work for what will be done and when it will be done.

“It is a main road and we cannot keep dealing with it in this state.

“I want assurances and I will be requesting all the information.

“Anglian Water have come on board now and they will look at it, alongside the highway authority, to find a solution.”