Latest On The Flooding At Felpham

The Environment Agency continues to work around the clock with the emergency services in flood hit communities following the recent extreme rainfall that fell across the South East earlier this week.

River levels across the region are being closely monitored along with the developing weather situation ahead of more wet weather, with potentially up to 20mm of rainfall forecast across the South East over the weekend.

Environment Agency teams continue to be out clearing trash screens, closing flood gates, operating flood storage areas, removing debris from known hotspots and warning and informing the public about the possibility of flooding.

The Environment Agency has set up an incident command centre at Bracklesham Lane car park in Bracklesham, West Sussex to co-ordinate a wide scale operational response to flooding in the area. Specialist Environment Agency crews are today (Thursday 14 June) busy pumping out floodwaters with six additional six inch diameter high volume pumps to reduce the levels in the Manhood Peninsula area that covers Bracklesham, Medmerry and Earnley in West Sussex. Pumps have also been deployed with specialist crews at the Bracklesham Bay Caravan site.

Peter Quarmby, Environment Agency South East Flood and Coastal Risk Manager, said: "We have seen exceptional rainfall in the region over the past few days and have seen the devastating effects that flooding can cause, our thoughts are with those who have been affected.

"We are focusing all efforts in working in areas that have been affected by flooding over the past few days to lower river levels and will continue to work alongside our emergency partners to assist flooded communities with immediate response and recovery.

Flood Alert Sign "Latest forecasts indicate that heavy rainfall is again expected to cross the South East on Friday and into the weekend. We urge everyone to remain vigilant ahead of further rainfall tomorrow and over the weekend. We are monitoring the weather forecasts very closely and the possibility remains that we could issue further flood alerts in response to any significant rainfall.?
After 112mm of rainfall fell over Felpham in West Sussex in a 36 hour period at the start of the week, residents were evacuated from their homes due to surface water flooding and the Aldingbourne Rife watercourse becoming full to capacity. Two 12 inch diameter pumps are being used continuously to lower water levels in the rife and pump the water out as quickly as possible."

0The Environment Agency funded national flood recovery vehicle will be staffed by National Flood Forum and local authority representatives who will give advice and information to communities from 12pm to 6pm in the following locations in West Sussex:
·         In Elmer, by the shopping area on Saturday 16 June
·         On the green, South Terrace, Littlehampton on Sunday 17 June
·         In Barnham, near the train station on Monday 18 June
·         In Wick, by the shopping precinct on Tuesday 19 June
·         In South Bersted, Laburnam Recreation Ground on Wednesday 20 June

Meanwhile there's a warning to flood victims that cold callers and rogue traders could be out to make their plight worse.
There's already reports of unsolicited calls at homes in Littlehampton from people offering to carry out repairs. Trading Standards say if you do need work, use a reputable business and resist cold callers. The department has a list of Approved Businesses which can be found here

Environment Secretary, Caroline Spellman dropped into the Arun Leisure Centre at Felpham near Bognor on Wednesday Morning.

She met members of the Environment Agency, staff from the Emergency Services and victims of the floods.

See our gallery of pictures and hear our interviews

Caroline Spellman on Flooding

Jeremy Beard on Flooding

James Humphry on Flooding