Interactive project launched in Eastbourne to reduce flood risk

Oliver Sterno, 80, started the interactive water butt project earlier in September as a member of Eastbourne Refill.

The group’s aim is to reduce plastic waste, and they are responsible for 16 water refill stations across the town.

And this new community effort is designed to ‘the danger of local flash flooding and flooding lower down in Eastbourne’.

Oliver, part of the Met Office’s Hazard Manager service, is notified of an impending storm and will alert members of the group to release water from their water butts to allow storm water to be diverted into the containers rather than directly down the drains.

Members of the group are encouraged to share the estimated total amount of water released – all with the aim of helping limit the impact of flooding.

Oliver said: “It will also enable participants to feel a collective responsibility and thereby have a feeling of empowerment while helping the wider community.

“We are inviting all Meads residents and users, but if you wish to take part from anywhere in the country, you are welcome to do so.”

Those interested should email [email protected] with their name, postcode, email address and altitude – which can be determined at www.maptools.uk/tools/elevation-finder/.

They should also list how many water butts they have, the estimated total volume of the butts in litres, and whether they’d like to be contacted by text or email.

Oliver is also hoping to strike a deal with a retailer for people to buy water butts at partially subsidised rates to support the effort.