How Canvey has fought back against the threat of flooding

The news came amid the latest data from organisation Climate Central which shows that by 2030 huge swathes of south Essex could be below the annual flood level- leaving them underwater in the event of flooding.

Helping out - A group of NRA (National River Authority) men repair the sea defence wall at Canvey Point in 1992 (Image: Newsquest)

Canvey Island has suffered perhaps more than any other location in Essex when it comes to flooding and so sea defences have been an important issue on the island for centuries.

Landmark - Canvey councillor Ray Howard pictured at the Benfleet flood barrier in 1995. The barrier was opened in 1983 (Image: Newsquest)

The island’s first flooding barrier- the ‘Dutch Sea Wall’ was built in the 17th century.

You can still see some of the oak piles from the rudimentary structure which were driven into the mud, then in-filled with chalk and ragstone to provide a firm base on which to build the wall.

Protection - Strengthened sea defences at Holehaven, Canvey in 1986 (Image: Newsquest)

This wall was a simple mound structure, grassed on the top and landward side and faced with stone along the side fronting the estuary.

Building work - The building of the flood barrier across Benfleet Creek is underway in 1982 (Image: Newsquest)

The other lengths of sea wall along the northern and western sides of the island were just grassed mounds.

Necessity - Part of the sea wall on Canvey near Thorney Bay is pictured in 1981 following repairs (Image: Newsquest)

A £75m project to refurbish Canvey’s ageing concrete sea defences is currently under way.

Check out our photo gallery above to see images relating to Canvey’s sea defences over the decades.