ROADS “coped well” with two days of heavy rainfall...despite residents fearing their homes would flood.

Up to 25mm of rain fell on Canvey over Thursday and Friday, sparking fears drains on the island would struggle to cope.

Homes and businesses were flooded in July 2014 when enough water to fill Wembley Stadium fell in just 12 minutes. It later emerged some drains has not been cleared for ten months, which was said to be behind many of the problems.

Essex County Council and Anglian Water have been working ever since to safeguard the island from flooding - but some residents claim more action is needed.

Bob Scudder, 62, of Byron Close, told how his road is victim to surface flooding every time it rains. Ouida Road was also affected by last week’s deluge.

Mr Scudder said: “When we had the floods a few years ago, it almost got into our house. We were so lucky.

“But now many of our neighbours understandably panic everytime it rains. The drains never seem to work properly, and we’re left with flooding in the road every single time.

“I’ve given up reporting it now because nothing ever gets done.”

Dave Blackwell, leader of the Canvey Independent Party, said he was “impressed” with how the island coped - but admitted flooding still remains a major concern.

He said: “I decided to have a look around during the rain and drove to the suspect roads. The majority were coping and I was quite impressed.

“There was some flooding in Ouida Road. It is a small road with about ten houses along it, but it only has one gulley at the top end.

“This road usually floods and the water gets to the top of the kerbs. I believe the authorities will be putting in a new gulley to help the problem.”

He added: “Although the rainfall was steady and sustained, it wasn’t particularly heavy.

“It was a pleasant surprise that the roads hadn’t flooded.

“I hope that if it becomes heavy, the drainage system continues to work.”

At the time of the 2014 flooding, it was announced that up to 700 of Canvey’s 6,000 gullies were in need of repair and County Hall was planning to replace up to 60 gullies on the seafront.

Castle Point Council and Essex County Council both told the Echo responsibility for flooding in the island lies with Anglian Water.

The water company was contacted for comment but did not respond before the Echo went to print.