FLOOD sirens providing an early warning system for coastal residents across Tendring have been scrapped.

Jaywick residents wanted a replacement siren system to be installed but their hopes have been dashed by councillor Tracey Chapman, environment boss at Essex County Council.

Although the decision has not been formally made, Mrs Chapman has given her intention to scrap the system.

The sirens, which operate in Point Clear, Jaywick and Harwich among other areas, were due to become obsolete by 2014 after the digital switchover as they operate on an analogue signal.

The Environment Agency, which is responsible for flood warning and defence, said 83 per cent of people in flood risk areas across Essex are part of their early warning system, which includes text messages, email alerts and automated telephone calls.

Costs estimated at £60,000 to renew a contract with the BBC who operate the sirens, as well as annual running costs of more than £16,000, were thought to be a factor in the edecision.

Decommissioning is also expected to cost money, but it is hoped some revenue can be made from sale of the equipment.

Kevin Watson, Tendring First councillor for Golf Green, said: “It is absolutely disgusting - a disaster waiting to happen.

“This is a result of Tory cuts at County Hall and its the people of Jaywick who are paying again.

“There are a lot of old people who are not comfortable with mobile phones, and many people move in and out of the area frequently and so won’t be registered with the Environment Agency scheme.

“A lot of people will feel vulnerable when the sirens are gone. It will be a sad day for Jaywick.”

Councillor Dan Casey, who represents Jaywick, said: “The vast majority of people wanted the sirens to stay. We know that with new technology warnings do come through, but a lot of people have grown up with the sirens so they do say something to them. It’s a real shame.“ Cllr Chapman said: “The Environment Agency has worked hard to deliver a much improved flood warning system, and we can now expect at least 12 hours’ notice of an impending flood. The Police and Environment Agency have decided that they will not authorise the use and sounding of the sirens and have expressed concern about their effectiveness if they are used.

“This coupled with the age of the sirens, the difficulty in finding spare parts and the need to switch to a digital system by 2014 means they are coming to the end of their natural life. Norfolk and Lincolnshire have already made the decision to stop using the system.”