ENVIRONMENT Agency engineers managed to partially open the damaged sluice gate at Purfleet this morning (Sunday, 17 January) and allow a slight easing of the flooding that runs right back to Bulphan along the Mardyke Valley.

Among the damage caused by the Mardyke river bursting its banks is the flooding of the Thurrock Scouts recently redecorated shower and toilet facilities at the nearby Cherrywood campsite, which was still under water today.

Engineers on site confirmed that there is a significant fault at the sluice gate and that they were unable to move the main sluice gate panel because the lifting mechanism is damaged. In addition a major plate that should seal one of the sluice entries has broken off and been washed away and allows water into the Mardyke at high tide.

They say the faults at the sluice have been a significant cause of the waters of the Mardyje backing up over recent days as water has just been unable to get through the sluice in sufficient quantity during low water on the Thames.

However, a statement from the Agency this morning appeared to play down the problem and also suggested no premises were at risk, even through buildings, including stables at Well Lane on North Stifford and the scouts' building, have already been flooded. Homes at Bulphan have also reported being at risk.

The statement said: "We are aware of an issue with the gate at Mardyke Sluice and have officers on site trying to resolve the problem.

"The gate should fully open to allow water to flow out of the Mardyke river into the Thames however it is slightly closed. This has resulted in water flowing on to low-lying fields upstream.

"No properties are currently at risk of flooding and we have officers on duty 24/7 closely monitoring the situation.

"Water could remain on the fields upstream for the next few days.

"We encourage members of the public to sign up to our free flood warning service here."