Four insurers look set to join a class action lawsuit against Bay of Plenty Regional Council over flooding in Edgecumbe.

Eight months after the disastrous flood, over 250 locals have signed on to the lawsuit, claiming the council failed to act on the knowledge the stop bank could burst.

Barrister David Heaney QC spoke with the residents committee last night, deciding he'll meet with insurers to see if they're interested in taking the matter further.

He said they're getting closer to progressing the lawsuit.

"I have to talk to [the insurers] to find out what their interest is and I'm hoping that they will agree to join in the action with residents and the whole lot will run together.

"We were hoping to get proceedings underway before Christmas, but it may be that we won't quite get there. If we don't make it, it won't be long after it anyway."