Flooding forecast for Patcham

Surface floods are expected in Patcham in the coming few days, according to the Environment Agency.

The ground water level less than 3ft below at which basements and some ground floors are expected to flood.

The first properties likely to be affected are in Old London Road and Ladies Mile Road.

Southern Water has installed temporary pipes and pumps alongside the A23 at Patcham to help divert water from road drains in the area.

The road is expected to remain open although drivers may be experience some delays.

Brighton and Hove City Council said: “Following the recent heavy rainfall, the Environment Agency has issued a flood alert for ground water flooding in Patcham. Residents are advised to be prepared as flooding is possible.

“The ground water level is now at 44.19 metres AOD as of 3.30pm on Sunday 9 February. More rain is forecast between Tuesday 11 February and Thursday 13 February.

“Environment Agency estimates suggest that we may see some surface level flooding next week.

“An information point and helpline for residents is open every day from 10am to 4pm including the weekend.

“The information point is at the Black Lion, London Road, Patcham. The dedicated helpline number is 07825 387380.

“Our Adult Social Care and Housing Teams are continuing to visit residents in the area identified by the Environment Agency as at risk of flooding.

“We are advising residents to get in touch with their utility companies now so that they know where to switch off gas, water and electricity supplies if necessary.

“Advice on how to find help with this is available at our rest centre. We will be providing assistance to help vulnerable residents who may have difficulty with this.

The council urged people to make plans to stay with friends or relatives in case they had to leave their property.

Advice included: “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.

“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 are giving sandbags to some houses which do not have basements and might be affected by water running off the roads.

“Sandbags cannot be used where ground water comes up through the floors of a house as they could stop the water getting out.

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