Brighton & Hove City Council leader Jason Kitcat on the risk of flooding

Brighton & Hove’s location as a coastal city at the foot of the Downs, puts us risk from flooding. Parts of Patcham in particular have had a historically high risk from rising groundwater. Heavy rain can lead to water rising through the chalk of the South Downs faster than pumps and drains can handle.

Both the Environment Agency and local residents alerted us to the rising water table as a result of the unprecedented period of wet weather. To prepare the area, the Council, Police, Fire, Southern Water, Environment Agency and many more agencies have all been working with the local community. Together we’ve visited the homes likely to be affected, checked who may need help with temporary accommodation, and where the most vulnerable residents are based. Cityclean staff have also been involved helping to get sandbags out to residents.

I recently visited the area with the council’s Chief Executive Penny Thompson to have a look at the preparations by staff – and we were impressed with level of collaborative working and communication. The information point in the Black Lion pub has been particularly helpful in bringing the community together and facilitating residents to share support.

Southern Water has installed pipes and pumps along the A23 London Road to help relieve pressure on the pinch points in the sewage system around Patcham village. The Highways Agency is also involved in case the flooding affects the access on and off the M23 and M27, particular around major events such as football matches.

Many residents are concerned about long term solutions to avoid future flooding, and the agencies are working together on possible options for future works. But in the meantime, while we hope it doesn’t flood, with the current wet weather there’s a chance Patcham will be affected. I’m confident that all the agencies and the community are working very well together to prepare for the worst.