Political opinion with Alison Grifiths MP: Keeping up the pressure on flooding this winter
See the latest news from Your World at https://www.sussexexpress.co.uk/your-world
In her weekly SussexWorld column, Alison Griffiths MP addresses local flooding concerns and the answers she is pursuing.
Heavy rain means something different when you’ve experienced flooding. You know how quickly a road closes, the damage water can do, and how long it takes to get back to normal.
Residents tell me about drains clogged after stormy weather, repeated flooding in Littlehampton, and closures of the A29 at Shripney. These problems have different causes, but they all need solutions.
Responsibility for maintaining local drainage, rivers, flood defences, and sewers sits with councils, the Environment Agency, water companies, and landowners, with West Sussex County Council as the lead flood authority. MPs don’t carry out that work. My role is to take your concerns to those responsible, press for answers, and follow up. That’s why I regularly engage with the Arun Flood Forum, which brings authorities and community representatives together.
Following my enquiries in the summer and early autumn, the County Council and the Environment Agency have outlined maintenance of local rifes, drainage clearance, river desilting, and culvert inspections around Shripney. I’m pushing for details of what’s been completed and what remains outstanding; I’ll visit Felpham Pumping Station and Elmer Beach later this month. Southern Water is also clearing sewers and working to prevent water flowing back into the Aldingbourne Rife.
Many will want to know what the Government is doing. That’s why I recently tabled 19 Written Parliamentary Questions, pressing for answers on funding, proposed improvements, the condition of our flood defences, and planning rules for new housing. I want to know what is funded, what needs repairing, and when decisions will be made.
On the specific issue of sewage pollution and bathing water quality, I’m bringing Southern Water back for another public meeting on 12 November, following one I convened in April. Residents will have another opportunity to question them directly on progress. If you’re reading this online before Thursday, there’s still time to register to attend: tinyurl.com/bdhabjcm
No one can guarantee a flood-free winter. But I will keep pressing for answers. If you have concerns, please get in touch.