Sandbags given to flood-threatened Patcham residents

Sandbags have been given to people in Patcham as more rain is forecast with rising groundwater threatening the area with floods.

Tom Scanlon, the director of public health in Brighton and Hove, said: “The groundwater level in the area has recent due to recent heavy rainfall.

“We are visiting residents and advising them to take some precautions as information from the Environment Agency suggests the water level may rise further.

“We’re advising residents to make plans to stay with friends or relatives in case they need to leave their houses.

“They should prepare a bag with clothing, medicines and any other essentials and consider pets and move personal or sentimental items to safety.

“We’ve identified which households might need help and we will ensure all vulnerable residents are either moved or supported if groundwater levels do rise.”

Brighton and Hove City Council has organised two public meetings to give people more information. The first is due to start at 5pm this afternoon (Tuesday 4 February) at the Memorial Hall in Old London Road in Patcham. The second is at 6pm.

Sandbags are being given only to houses without basements and which may be affected by water running off the road.

The council said: “Sandbags cannot be used where groundwater comes up through the floors of a house as they could stop the water getting out.”