Fears prompt call for flood policy change

Earlier this year Arun District Council, in partnership with the Environment Agency, agreed it was uneconomic to continue to hold the line at Atherington and proposes to withdraw maintenance from 2013 following a two year notice period.

Atherington resident Pam Morgan said: “ Our worst fears were confirmed, and Arun has not listened to any concerns put to them. I asked them for the economic data showing it was uneconomic to save the beach but it has still not been produced.”

Next week, Arun District Council will be asked to ratify the proposals, followed by DEFRA’s National Review Group’s assessment in November.

Pam Morgan said: “I cannot believe that we are being denied access to this vital information at this critical stage. We are told that the document will be ready for public viewing on October 11, which gives us just seven days to understand the figures and to ensure they reflect a true assessment of the Clymping frontage”

A Judicial Review into the handling of the consultation process has been allowed by the High Court but crucially the case will not be heard in time before Arun’s moves the strategy forward.

Residents say it is not only homes that will be lost as a result of this decision but that the historic buildings of Bailiffscourt Hotel could be completely submerged, including their rare colony of Great Crested Newts.

They claim that according to the consultants, Atkins, extreme flooding will interrupt the A259 if Clymping flood defences are abandoned.

Clymping Park residents have already reported difficulty in obtaining house insurance and fear that if Arun Council approves abandonment, all properties in the area will find their insurance premiums rising and property will be difficult to sell.

They predict that Ferry Road will be flooded and every business and home that relies on it for access will be affected.

They claim that the internationally important West Beach SSSI will be lost, including the Napoleonic Fort scheduled ancient monument and believe the river training wall is destined to collapse into the river mouth, completely blocking the river with shingle, making it inaccessible to boats for long periods.

Resident Henry Burrell, whose home is at risk has urged everyone affected to write to the district council before the crucial Cabinet meeting on October 18, asking for approval to be deferred to enable residents to assess the figures involved and to respond to them.