River sluice gate concerns

The environment agency are installing new solid oak gates and a new metal gate as part of the area’s flood defence measures.

But Rye Harbour resident Pat Hughes raised concerns over whether the gates will be electronically controlled.

She said: “We have seen the problems caused when the electronically controlled rail crossing gates in Ferry Road malfunction and fail.

“If there was an electronic fault on the lock gate the consequences could be disastrous.”

Anthony Kimber, chairman of Rye emergency action group REACT, said: “From my experience the Environment Agency do not favour electronically controlled equipment.

“The pumps around Rye are operated by a man with a key, but we will find out more about how the gates will operate.”