RESIDENTS and businesses are still suffering the aftermath of flooding which wreaked havoc in Colchester.

Torrential rain caused water to block roads in the Hythe area of town hitting homes and businesses.

More than 60 university students had to leave The Maltings accommodation in Hythe Quay on Wednesday night and stay on the university’s Wivenhoe campus until Friday afternoon.

Businesses in Haven Road were badly affected and lost out on profits.

Bob Bloomfield, finance director for Vaughan and Blyth Ltd, which has tenants in Haven Road, said Essex County Council staff were clearing the roads on Friday.

He said: “The good news is the council is down there now clearing the gullies out and they will then re-open the road.

“Long term, they said they had a plan but they won’t say what. It’s a recurring problem and it’s finding somebody to drive it and get it sorted.”

Andrew Wynne, director of car company Velvis Ltd, said he was still losing out on business during the cleaning up process.

He said on Friday: “I’m open but there is still not much business with all the damage.

“They have opened the road but there is mud everywhere and we can’t really trade as the cars get dirty coming in and out.”

He only opened the business in February last year but said the flooding was a constant problem.

He said: “It has happened about 20 times, not as bad as this.

“What bothers me is the fact nothing is getting done.”

Residents also complained about the lack of warning signs in the Hythe area.

Traffic was causing chaos where drivers were using rat- runs to get to and from work.

Hythe Hill, Port Lane and Recreation Road were used as detours which caused havoc as cars came to a standstill.