Tackling flooding in Sussex

Flooding affected parts of West Sussex last year Credit: ITV Meridian

A campaign to fight flooding problems in West Sussex caused by extreme weather has sprung into action.

Operation Watershed – backed up by an £8.25m fund - was introduced in response to the heaviest rainfall to hit West Sussex in over a century.

Surface water brought great strain upon the drainage infrastructure and widespread damage to the road network.

To deal with the problem 12 locations in have received, or are about to receive, significant drainage improvements.

Cllr Louise Goldsmith, Leader of West Sussex County Council, said: “Operation Watershed is well and truly up and running.

“We have already made headway in a number of flooding hotspots, with further locations being tackled throughout spring and summer.

“We are committed to seeing this through and preventing these problems happening again if such dreadful weather ever returned in future.”

The council plans to spend money on

• Fixing flooding hotspots identified after the floods in June 2012;

• Fixing flooding hotspots which appeared during the heavy rainfall over Christmas;

• Contributing to schemes with partner organisations where drainage systems need improvements;

• Putting surface water management plans in place to combat flooding in future years in Lidsey, Easebourne, Lancing, Lavant Valley, Chichester and the Manhood Peninsula.