A council failed to create a “clear shared plan” to combat flooding, a new report has said.

Maldon District Council’s audit committee was told its previous flooding mitigation scheme was a “failure” following its last meeting.

Councillors had raised concerns about the scheme, which included not highlighting priority areas for flood defences, a lack of clear outcomes, no proposed dates for completion of projects and a lack of engagement with private partners.

The council has since made changes to its plans which has seen it become “more active” in working with other groups to bring the plan forward.

A spokesman said: “The council has actively taken a key role in working in partnership with the strategic partners to ensure that the projects that deliver schemes to protect and mitigate against various flood risks across the district are implemented.”