Key organisations toured problem areas in Kessingland, near Lowestoft during a multi-agency walkabout.

Lowestoft MP Jess Asato organised the walkabout of problem areas in streets around the village as agencies united in an effort to tackle the decades-long flooding issues.

Lowestoft MP Jess Asato brings together numerous agencies to tackle long-standing flooding issues in Kessingland, near Lowestoft. Image: Jess Asato's office (Image: Jess Asato's office)

Representatives from Anglian Water, Suffolk County Council, East Suffolk Council, the Environment Agency, Kessingland Parish Council and local community representatives joined Ms Asato last Friday to visit several problem areas across the village, including Church Road, Turrell Drive and the High Street.

Repeated surface water flooding and sewage backing up into homes, gardens and garages have been reported during periods of heavy rainfall, with the issue having persisted for around 40 years.

Lowestoft MP Jess Asato brings together numerous agencies to tackle long-standing flooding issues in Kessingland, near Lowestoft. Image: Jess Asato's office (Image: Jess Asato's office)

Previous MPs have attempted to resolve the issue, but residents say a lasting solution has never been delivered.

The walkabout allowed agencies to hear directly from residents, review key locations and identify further work needed to understand and address the problem.

Ms Asato said: “Residents in Kessingland have been living with this problem for far too long.

"Nobody should have to deal with sewage backing up into their homes or repeated flooding issues on their streets.

“We will keep working together until we get this sorted.”

Lowestoft MP Jess Asato brings together numerous agencies to tackle long-standing flooding issues in Kessingland, near Lowestoft. Image: Jess Asato's office (Image: Jess Asato's office)

Anglian Water’s senior policy and public affairs lead, Grant Tuffs, said: "Anglian Water has already undertaken work in the area, including removing silt from parts of the network and carrying out repairs where needed.

“We know there is more to do, and we are continuing our investigations into the drainage network and surrounding areas so we can identify the best long-term solutions for residents through ongoing collaboration with other agencies.”

East Suffolk councillor Alan Green added: “These issues have been affecting residents in Kessingland for a long time and it’s important that all the organisations involved work together to address them."

Community representative Caroline Carter said: "Residents have been dealing with sewage and flooding issues for far too long, so it’s good to see the issue finally being tackled head on.”

With further information from agencies now requested, including updates on maintenance work, drainage mapping and investigations into the causes of flooding and silt build-up, a follow-up meeting is expected to agree next steps.

© Eastern Daily Press