Flood action options set out

THE Environment Agency has unveiled its options for the long-term improvement of Lewes flood defences.

And at a Lewes Town Hall meeting on Monday the public will have the chance to discuss them.

The options include:

l Increasing the existing river channel capacity. This would involve re-constructing the channel to enable a larger volume of floodwater to pass through the town.

l Upstream flood storage. By providing storage for the floodwater approaching the town, it would be possible to reduce peak river flows.

l Diversion of floodwaters. A tunnel bored beneath the Downs or an additional channel cut through Lewes would provide extra river capacity.

l Downstream improvements. A tidal barrage at Newhaven would provide further downstream storage and protection from surge and high tide, as would the realignment and set-back of flood banks downstream of the town.

l Secondary defence, comprising new floodwalls set back from the riverside, giving the majority of the town improved protection at a lower cost than renewing the existing defences.

The average time it takes to design and construct a major flood defence scheme is 10 years.

The Environment Agency, East Sussex County Council and Lewes District Council are working together with the police, fire brigade and Lewes Town Council to host Monday s meeting.

It will begin at 6.30pm and there will be a staffed exhibition open from 2pm.

We recognise that the aftermath of the floods is still affecting many families and businesses in Lewes and this meeting will give them an opportunity to have a real input in the future of flood defences for the town, said flood defence manager Rupert Clubb.

This is the first phase of the consultation process where people can see the different options and the advantages and disadvantages of each one.

There is no quick fix to this problem and the solution could be any or a combination of several of the options.

The average time to design and construct a major flood defence scheme is ten years.

On Tuesday between 10am and 2pm there will still be an opportunity for those unable to attend the meeting to view the exhibition and speak with staff.