FLOODING: THERE'S NO EASY FIX

To reduce the chances of another flood disaster, there will either have to be a reduction in the amount of water reaching the town - or an increase in the amount of water that can be passed through it.

Any scheme will also have to be acceptable to the local community and meet stringent financial guidelines.

A quick solution could, for example, be provided by the demolition of buildings adjoining the river and a widening of the channel, and/or major changes to at least one bridge across the river, the spokesman added.

However, such a scheme would involve the loss of historic buildings and would change the whole nature of that area of the town.

Another solution would be to build a barrage upstream of Lewes, but a hastily constructed scheme could result in more flooding in Barcombe.

The same could be true of a downstream barrage as far as Newhaven is concerned.

Apart from the engineering challenges, the Agency was still struggling to secure necessary funding.

In the meantime, it remained concerned about the condition of some of the flood defence walls on the Ouse.

Unfortunately, the maintenance and cost of upkeep of some of the walls is the responsibiulity of the owners, the spokesman continued.

Any collapse of the walls could lead to flooding, even during times when the weather is relatively benign.

The Agency is in discussion with landowners regarding these problems.

Lewes was the worst-hit town in the country during the October floods.

The Agency s Sussex manager, Peter Midgley, said: Staff are working as quickly as they can on possible solutions to either get more water through the town centre more swiftly, or to stop it reaching Lewes as a wall of water.

These schemes will be developed over the coming weeks with the agreement and co-operation of all parties in the area.

Given the devastation to people s lives, homes and businesses, I can understand the wish to make things happen swiftly, but it is important to get this right or we will make the flooding worse, or simply pass it on to other homes and businesses.

Published: 31.5.01 Sussex Newspapers Ltd