Flood measures defended in town

Lewes station flooded and people in the town were rescued by boat Enlarge Image

Flood defence measures in Lewes are under question five years after devastating floods in the town.

On 12 October 2000 the River Ouse broke its banks flooding 800 properties and causing more than £80m damage.

The mayor of Lewes said work undertaken since 2000 had defended one housing estate, but no shops or businesses.

But the Environment Agency said £3m had gone on massively reinforcing defences which were now far better than required for the flooding levels seen in 2000.

District councillor and town mayor, Jim Daly said: "Where they have defended, it doesn't affect the actual town, just one housing estate.

"For the shops and businesses they've not put in any defence at all.

None of this town is undefended Peter Midgeley Environment Agency

"It makes me very angry - it's a typical case of the government spending a lot of money, but not that little bit extra that would complete the job."

Peter Midgley, Environment Agency spokesman, said: "The centre of Lewes lies flat in the river's flood plain, which means there is always going to be a risk.

"People who live here have to listen to the weather forecasts and flood warnings and take action."

He said defences to the north east of the town had been massively reinforced, and were "far better than the standard required for the flooding five years ago".

Underwater dangers included strong currents and lifted drains

He added: "Development proposals are going to take place in the north west of the town .

"We have refurbished the rest of the defences at the same time as building many more defences down on our coast where there are massive risks to people and property.

"None of this town is undefended. The defences for most of the town are right up to the standard that they were five years ago and the worst-hit quadrant has defences that are much better."

Last month, calls for more action to minimise the risk of flooding in Lewes came from insurers.

The Association of British Insurers said government investment in defences had increased, but more action was needed.

Director general Stephen Haddrill said that despite flood defence improvements, parts of the town still remained vulnerable.