Events Give Advice On Flooding

After 500 homes were flooded in West Sussex earlier this year, advice is being handed out this week on how to prepare for the worst.

fter 500 homes were flooded in West Sussex earlier this year, advice is being handed out this week on how to prepare for the worst. 

A flood fair is being held in Bracklesham Bay near Chichester today (23rd October), the area was badly affected in June. A similar event is happening in Littlehampton tomorrow.

It's part of a new Environment Agency campaign warning about the risk of flooding on roads as well as from the sea and nearby rivers. The Fairs, which run from 2pm until 6pm, will be fronted by West Sussex County Council, the Environment Agency, Fire and Rescue Service and Southern Water. Experts from each authority will be encouraging people to sign up to free alerts which warn about severe weather.

The Fairs are taking place on: 

Tuesday October 23, at The Barn, Beech Avenue, Bracklesham Bay, PO20 8HU - opposite the Lively Lady pub. 

Wednesday October 24, in the West Sussex Fire and Rescue Community Information Unit, High Street, Littlehampton, BN17 6EU.

Meanwhile, in Hampshire, people are being asked to keep drainage channels in their gardens clear of leaves.

Deputy County Council Leader and Executive Member for Transport and Environment, Councillor Mel Kendal said: 

"We can't prevent flooding completely but there is a lot that we can do to reduce the impact on our neighbourhoods. After this year's prolonged period of wet weather it is especially important that we all take some time to regularly check ditches and watercourses on our own land to make sure they are clear of leaves, vegetation and other debris and not blocked up by grass cuttings or other rubbish."