IPSWICH: Families whose homes have been flooded after heavy storms have been promised help by Anglian Water.

But it could still be more than two years before a complete solution is found to flooding problems in Daimler Road, on the edge of the Whitehouse estate.

The homes have been at risk of flooding ever since they were built about ten years ago.

Former MP Sir Michael Lord first took up their case five years ago, and the battle has been continued by new MP Dr Dan Poulter.

He has now received a letter from Anglian Water managing director Peter Simpson promising action.

Mr Simpson said that cost prevented the company from taking on a comprehensive scheme at present, but it would build a small wall and retractable flood barriers.

He added: “I appreciate this may not be the ideal result for residents but it is a significant step to minimise any impacts of flooding.”

The area will also be part of a pilot scheme to ease flooding by 2014 – and this could lead to a long-term solution being found to flooding in the area.

Dr Poulter welcomed the news that Anglian Water were looking at the cause of the flooding problems in the area and said that the experience of residents there showed how important it was to sort out drainage issues before a new development was built.

He said: “These problems have been going on for years and at times it has been difficult to get the residents’ concerns appreciated.

“I am pleased that we are making progress, but there is still more to be done and I shall continue to push Anglian Water for a more comprehensive, long-term flooding solution.”

The problems in Daimler Road showed that drainage issues would have to be considered at an early stage before any approval was given to a major new development on the northern fringe of Ipswich, he said.

n Will the measures in Daimler Road work? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstar letters@eveningstar.co.uk