QUESTIONS will undoubtedly be being asked in Stanford-le-Hope this morning - and possibly other parts of the borough - after last evening's stormy weather caused flooding.

The problems in Stanford, were nowhere near the level of flooding in January in the town, but nevertheless some residents had to fight a battle to keep water out of their homes in the Ruskin Road and Runnymede Road areas after just a few hours of rain.

In January many of those same homes were flooded but after lengthy campaigning by Thurrock Nub News and others to ensure a full investigation, in July the council concluded it wasn't a major problem and was a 'once in a generation' event. They outlined measures to help residents - it remains to be seen this morning how effective they were.

After Stanford-le-Hope West ward councillor Terry Piccolo, who spent a couple of hours last night helping residents in the rain, described the situation as 'bad', the council - particularly those in it who described January's floods as a 'once in a generation issue' - may need to think again.

Cllr Piccolo, who went to bed some time after 1am 'soaked to the skin' helped place sandbags around some air vents of houses and also helped alert residents who were unaware of the pending problems.

"It's bad," he reported after returning home. "I'll be going to bed once I've had a hot drink and dried off but I will be out again early in the morning." No doubt he too will be wanting answers from the authorities including Anglian Water - who he, like residents, was unable to raise last night.

Last night also saw flooding around homes in Kingsman Road and waters rose threateningly adjacent to the river Hope in areas like Belle-Reeves Close. Wharf Road, where work is underway but not complete to install flood prevention measures under the railway bridge, was also affected.