Great Wakering is a village steeped in history . It has many community links to the Ministry of Defence-governed Foulness Island . The village was badly hit during the 1953 floods and locals fear a re-occurrence of the devastation now that tidal levels are rising and flood defences eroding . Of architectural interest is an old brickworks site ( now partly demolished ) at Star Lane , which was once served by an industrial narrow-gauge railway , the remains of which can still be seen in the bushes if you look carefully . Brick-making was once the main industry in Wakering . The factory finally closed in 1991 , but the four towers remained a focal point on the horizon until September 2007 , when the towers were finally demolished . Currently , there is building work for a new housing on the site
1953 floods
North Sea flood of 1953
Great Wakering