Cash boost for local communities to fight flooding

Nearly £100,000 is being distributed to West Sussex communities to tackle flooding.

Six projects will benefit from the latest round of Operation Watershed Active Communities Fund awards, designed to encourage town and parish councils and community groups to mitigate local flood risk.

Deborah Urquhart, West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change, said: “Once again, Operation Watershed is helping local communities reduce flood risk where they live, and these latest awards span across a variety of organisations, helping them to make a real difference.

“With the effects of climate change happening right now on the doorsteps of our homes, it’s crucial that we improve communities’ resilience to flooding, ensuring West Sussex is even better placed to respond to extreme weather events.

“This vital initiative has unlocked funds for hundreds of community groups to minimise flooding risk where they live, and I’m thrilled that this crucial work is continuing.”

The latest awards include: 

Trotton with Chithurst Parish Council for works to address surface water flooding on the carriageway of the bridge. This is additional funding to cover VAT costs of the scheme that was awarded funding in September 2021. Once the project has been completed the Parish Council will claim the VAT back from HMRC – which will be refunded to Operation Watershed for future projects. 

Award: £6,231.01

Southbourne Parish Council for ground and remedial works to combat surface water flooding, from a field near Parham Place, following floods in 2019. The works will redirect surface water to an existing ditch that runs parallel to the field, and protect homes, properties, and businesses for the future. 

Award: £9,855.33

Boxgrove Parish Council for works to reduce flooding risks and road hazards to sections of A285, which, during extreme weather, has flooded and then drained down into Tinwood Lane. Works are planned to replace a section of damaged pipe and install soakaways and make connections to a new gully, and drainage manhole on the northern side of Tinwood Lane. 

Award: £20,621.00

Lavant Parish Council for specialist engineering works to improve drainage at Chalkpit Lane. The village has been severely impacted by flooding for many years due to its position at the bottom of a hill. Heavy rainfall causes excess water and silt to flow down from the chalkpit, impacting homes and businesses. Groundworks and infrastructure improvements are planned to strengthen drainage capacity and reduce flood risk for years to come. 

Award: £19,155.24

Lavant Parish Council for works to install new gullies and add capacity to the existing system on Shop Lane. Extreme rainfall and adverse weather resulted in flooding to homes last year. Works to increase capacity of drainage and watercourse, and boost flood defences in the area are planned, including specialist surveying and equipment for ad-hoc repairs.

Award: £17,578.56 

Westhampnett Parish Council for infrastructure works to improve surface water flood defences and lack of drainage capacity on the corner of New Barn Hill and New Road, Westerton. Works will install new gullies and headwalls and add additional sections of pipework to boost capacity so surface water can flow during heavy rainfall. 

Award: £22,184.28