THIS evening's heavy rain, which prompted an amber weather warning from the Met Office, is causing problems across the borough.

Flooding is reported on roads in the west of Thurrock, particularly in North Stifford, and in the east there is rising water in Ruskin Road in Stanford-le-Hope, which is lapping at the doors of a number of houses.

The area was badly hit by flooding in January this year in the town when water made its way into a number of homes.

Residents in Ruskin Road say they have contacted the fire service, who are currently unable to help, and they have had no response when trying to contact Anglian Water or Thurrock Council.

They are manfully trying to keep the waters at bay with brooms and buckets but it is coming up out of some drains.

The adjacent park between Ruskin Road and Runnymede Road is several inches deep in water.

Just before 1am Stanford West ward councillor Terry Piccolo, who had spent a couple of hours walking the area and talking to residents, said: "I have contacted the council but no luck with Anglian Water. It's bad.

"I tried to raise the people the flats 18 - 24 Runnymead Road but to no avail so I stacked the sandbags that where left there last time around the front door and air vents, also knocked on a few houses in Runnymede to let them know.

"The river at Broadhope is very high, Kingsman Road isn't to bad but back gardens probably affected. It's flooded under the railway in Wharf Road."