READERS are divided Brexit-style over whether an idea to raise an often flooded road between Colchester and Mersea should be resurrected.

High tides at the weekend caused The Strood to be flooded yet again.

At least one driver had to be pushed out after getting stuck.

When discussing the issue with The Gazette, county and borough councillor for the area John Jowers recalled a proposal from former county council highways boss Rodney Bass from more than a decade ago suggesting raising the road level by less than a foot.

It was thought that the slightly higher road level would stop all but the highest of tides encroaching on to the road.

READ MORE: Floody hell! Impatient drivers take on flooded Strood again

But he said the plan went down “like a lead balloon” because residents were determined to remain an island.

He said: “People who live here are incredibly proud of being an island and didn’t want anything which might take that away.

“But what they do is buy a timetable and plan their days around it.”

In a poll running online, more than 250 Gazette readers were split almost down the middle with 48 per cent in favour of raising the road level, and 52 per cent saying it should not be touched and people should simply plan ahead.

Although no fresh plans are believed to be in the pipeline in terms of raising the level, some people were concerned about how the project would be funded.

Chris Jones agreed that it was simple to plan journeys around the tide time and a bridge was unnecessary.

He said: “The flooding times are predictable.

“It requires patience and recognition that time and tide wait for no man. It is a a non event. If you live on an island you plan accordingly.”

But fellow Mersea resident Pippa Terri added: “I really dislike living on Mersea and The Strood is an overwhelming factor.

“Build a bridge and be done with it.”

Other people argued for warning signs, traffic lights activated by water levels and barriers to be installed.

While some disputed building a bridge or raising the road would impact on Mersea’s precious island status.

Mike Fossey said: “To stop people crossing they should have some barriers.

“If they are closed then don’t cross.

“If people cross when they are closed then that is the driver’s fault and they should be fined for careless driving and driving without due care and attention.”

Previously, calls have been made for people who need the emergency services after getting stuck on The Strood to be fined.

More than 400 people have backed the idea in an online petition, but Mr Jowers said the need for rescues is relatively rare.