Session about flooding risk

Environment Agency officials will be giving a presentation to Climping Parish Council at 7pm in the village hall before the regular council meeting.

It follows a public meeting in the village last Friday. Andrew Gilham, the agency’s area flood and coastal risk manager, said: “There were about 20 people present. We gave a presentation and answered any questions.

“It was generally well received. We want to have an open discussion so we can help a community at risk plan for the future.”

The agency’s current strategy for Climping has changed from its plans of five years ago. It now proposes to repair the existing defences for as long as it is cost-effective. This is expected to extend their lives by between 15 and 35 years. The previous policy was to do nothing while the defences deteriorated.

Mr Gilham said six properties were at risk of being flooded by a lack of defences.