Storms bring flood to town centre

Sudden downpours brought flooding to Eastbourne town centre

Shoppers in an East Sussex town centre were knee-deep in sewage as downpours caused flash flooding on Monday.

East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said it received more than 100 calls for help from shops, restaurants and other businesses in Eastbourne.

The Arndale Shopping Centre was evacuated and traffic was in chaos.

A fire service spokesman said cellars were flooded and stock and food in shops and restaurants was ruined. Six fire appliances were at the scene.

"People walking through the town were up to their knees in water and sewage," said the spokesman.

Backstage affected

Shoppers at the scene told BBC Southern Counties Radio the deluge took everyone by surprise.

Some backstage areas of the Grade-II listed Congress Theatre and nearby Winter Garden Theatre were also affected, with the Congress lift shaft filled with more than 5ft of storm water.

Theatre general manager Gavin Davis said: "It was an unbelievable sight.

"Water was pouring down from the pavement and started building up at the windows.

"It was like being on a sinking ship and looking through the porthole."

Rainfall eased by late afternoon, but fire crews remained at the scene pumping out flooded premises.