DOUBTS over a flood defence scheme for Heybridge have resurfaced.

In March the Standard revealed plans for the vital project were at risk despite Maldon District Council being awarded millions of pounds to fix potential flooding.

The issue surrounded who would take ownership of the scheme once completed.

Discussions were ongoing with the Environment Agency to come to an agreement.

The scheme is due to be completed as part of the North Heybridge Garden Suburb project which will see 1,100 new homes built.

But now developers Countryside Properties has decided it wants to bring forward its own flood alleviation project.

It has left question marks over what will happen to the £7.3 million secured for the other scheme.

The Standard has attempted to get to the bottom of what is going on, but to no avail.

Questions on what happens next need to be answered soon, as this project is vital to the village.