Hopes have been raised that regular flooding problems on a Suffolk road can be relieved after the Environment Agency was granted a warrant to access the private land.

Motorists often find that Potters Bridge on the B1127 at Southwold is under water, especially during periods of heavy rainfall or high tides when water levels in Easton Broad become too high and spill on to the road.

The Environment Agency has been granted a Magistrates Court Warrant which will enable it to reinstate a drainage channel to stabilise water levels in the broad.

READ MORE: B1127 Potters Bridge near Southwold becomes flooded again

This channel, which links to the sea, was created to drain water from the broad to keep it at a level that ensures the road does not get flooded.

However, when tides move sand and shingle from the beach, this drainage channel can become blocked, which means that it needs to be cleared regularly.

This clearance work is what the Environment Agency intends to undertake over a period of one or two days, depending on conditions.

READ MORE: B1127 Potters Bridge near Southwold closed due to flooding

A spokesperson from the Environment Agency said: “We can confirm we have obtained a Magistrates Court Warrant to enter the site.

"When weather conditions allow, we will take access to carry out our works.”

In 2021, more than 300 people signed a petition calling for the road to be fixed following a spate of closures due to flooding.

READ MORE: Southwold news

Suffolk Coastal MP Therese Coffey, who has previously visited the road closures after being contacted by residents, welcomed the news.

She said: "I'm pleased that the Environment Agency has now obtained a Magistrates Court Warrant to access private land close to Easton Broad, to help relieve flooding on the B1127 at Potters Bridge. 

"I’ve met and pressed the case with the Environment Agency on multiple occasions to expedite a solution on this, including encouraging them to use the powers available under the Water Resources Act. So, I’m glad action will now be taken. 

"Access to the site, which had previously been denied by the landowner, will enable the Environment Agency to reinstate the drainage channel to stabilise water levels.

"According to them periodic storm surges or heavy rainfall will still create some flooding on the B1127, but the duration of any event should be significantly reduced with effective outfall to the sea."

East Suffolk councillor David Beavan, who represents Southwold, was also pleased, but said the channel would need to be cleared regularly and the section of road would eventually become tidal due to the movement of the sea, meaning that motorists would only be able to pass during low tides.

"It is good that the Environment Agency has finally got the permission. It has taken them three years to obtain it," he added.

READ MORE: Suffolk news