MORE than £19million will be spent across Essex over the next five years to prevent flooding.

Essex County Council will spend £19million addressing flooding issues as part of the multi-agency Essex Flood Partnership Board.

The board met this week to discuss plans, which will include surface water schemes being addressed by Essex Highways.

Environment boss Roger Hirst said: “By working together, we are already showing progress.

“We know we are starting with a long backlog. We are getting to grips with it.

“Working together with partners, we can reduce the threat of flooding to our homes and protect our local economy.”

Jonathan Glerum, of Anglian Water, said: "We don’t know what the issues are until we get flood problems. There is a big challenge for us.

“By sharing information, such as between Essex Highways and ourselves, we have made significant progress since last year."

It is estimated more than 108,000 properties are at risk of flooding across the county.