A £1m flood defence scheme was launched at the weekend to protect a row of cottages after a 13-year campaign.

The scheme to protect the 12 Hillmans Cottages in Ongar Road, Abridge was given the go-ahead in November.

The £1,200,000 scheme, which will see flood water transferred by a 'fish friendly' pump from a culvert under the properties into the River Roding, is delivered in partnership by the Environment Agency and the Hillman’s Cottages Management Company.

Neighbours, who have suffered from flooding in their homes several times, most severely in 2000 and 2012, saw the new defence embankment opened by MP Eric Pickles on Friday.

Home owners had urged the need for the scheme for more than a decade, but due to the relatively small number of properties affected by flooding and the high cost of flood defence measures, the
scheme failed to secure central government funding.

In October 2000 all residents were forced to vacate their homes after floods led to an average depth of almost half a metre of water throughout all of the cottages.

Flood warden for Lambourne Parish Council and Hillmans Cottages resident Charles Portou, said: "Having experienced the trauma of major and minor flooding and some very close calls, we are delighted and relieved that our 13-year campaign for defences has come to fruition.

"The completion of this well thought out Flood Alleviation Scheme is designed to provide us with robust protection from all possible threats in particular from the river, rising water-table, surface water and drainage ditches backing up.

"We look forward to enjoying peace of mind rather than living on the edge.

"Our GP is also pleased given that he will not be prescribing as much medication for high blood pressure and stress."

The partnership funding approach has meant that the residents were able to
set up the Hillmans Cottages Management Company and will take on responsibility for maintenance and ownership of the scheme following its completion.

Residents will share the fish-friendly pump electricity costs and maintenance tasks between themselves.

MP Eric Pickles said: “For the past few years, every time it rains, my thoughts have been with
the residents of Hillmans Cottages.

"The constant fear of flooding is a terrible thing to deal with and now the residents of Hillmans Cottages can get on safe and secure enjoying life in one of the most beautiful parts of Essex.”