Patcham residents warned to prepare for flooding

People living and working in Patcham have been warned to prepare for flooding as more rain is forecast.

The groundwater level in Patcham has risen as a result of the recent heavy rainfall.

Brighton and Hove City Council said: “There is a danger that if levels continue to rise there will be localised flooding.

“Last Friday afternoon (31 January) we visited and put letters though the doors of all the premises in the high-risk area to alert residents that the groundwater level has reached 40m AOD (Above Ordnance Datum).

“We advise affected residents to take some precautions as information from the Environment Agency suggests the water level may rise further.

“If you sign up to the Environment Agency’s free flood alert programme you can receive free flood warnings by phone, text or email.

“If the level reaches 45m AOD, local basements will be flooded and there will be some ground floor flooding.

“At these levels the risk is confined to properties along the north end of Old London Road and the lower part of the Ladies’ Mile Road.

“If levels rise further the area affected would of course extend.

“We strongly advise affected residents to

make plans to stay with friends or relatives in case you need to leave your property
prepare a bag with clothing, medicines and any other essentials should you have to leave in haste
consider pets and move personal or sentimental items to safety

“Even if the flood water does not directly affect your property you may find that the electricity supply is cut off, sewage does not drain away and access to your property may become difficult due to flooding in the surrounding area.

“Sandbags aren’t used in all properties as the flood risk is from rising ground water and used incorrectly they may prevent drainage.

“Our engineers have carried out a survey of the area and will only issue sandbags as a flood prevention measure where there is an operational benefit which helps the water drain away.

“Our Environmental Health Team will monitor the risk of any water contamination.

“Over the weekend our Adult Social Care Team visited households identified as possibly needing social care support or advice.

“Households were identified from information from local GPs and neighbourly concerns passed on to the team.

“We have established a rest centre which will open if evacuation is required.”

Questions can be emailed to epu@brighton-hove.gov.uk.

If flooding becomes more extensive we will set up a telephone helpline. In the meantime residents can call 01273 296666 for a recorded message with details of the current status.