Arundel River Wall - Statement
Officers from Arun District Council met with a representative of residents of River Road, District and Town Councillor representatives, a representative from Angmering Park Estates, the Environment Agency, West Sussex County Council (including Fire and Rescue) and the Harbour Master on Friday 15 January to commence the recovery phase of the emergency plan. This follows the collapse of a privately owned flood wall in the early hours of Friday 8 Jan. Subsequently, a recovery strategy has been agreed, immediate actions identified and the action plan put into motion with the aim of assisting residents to work closely with partners to return to normality.
Three of the affected properties have had their utilities isolated and residents have been advised to instruct a surveyor to provide information to enable a decision to be made regarding the re-installation of services. Partners are currently in discussion about repairs to this private river wall and all parties are treating this as a matter of urgency.
The Environment Agency deployed a temporary barrier and pumps to protect the houses at risk of flooding from the high, spring tide. The Local Authorities and emergency services have worked to assist the homeowners involved, although the last tidal cycle passed with no flooding occurring; the temporary barrier and pumps have since been removed and the roads re-opened. The Environment Agency’s priority continues to be that of minimising flood risk to residents and the wider community.
The Environment Agency will continue to monitor river levels and tides and will act as the main emergency responder should properties be at risk of flooding in the future. Owners of relevant properties will be warned and informed to give them as much notice as possible of flood risk.
Arun District Council has provided a liaison officer as a single point of contact for residents and partners and will be offering help and guidance to co-ordinate all parties involved ensuring that the recovery process is as thorough and effective as possible.
Contacts
Local Authority - Arun District Council 01903 737500; Emergency number (out of hours use only) 01903 737500
Water supply disruption - Southern Water - 0330 303 0368; Southern Water website
Flood risk and emergency flood response - online or follow @EnvAgencySE and #floodaware on Twitter for the latest flood updates. Practical advice can be found on GOV.UK or by calling Floodline on 0345 9881188.
Security - Police in an emergency call 999 and non-emergency call 101.