Drop-in session to talk about Uckfield flooding problems

People living in Uckfield are being asked to share their memories and experiences of flooding, in a bid to help the county council understand how it affects the community.

A council spokesman said: “We would like residents and businesses to tell us about the timing, frequency, extent and impact of flooding from surface water, ground water and minor water courses.

“This information will help us improve our knowledge of localised flooding.”

The council has organised a drop-in session on January 13 where people can discuss their experiences.

You can “drop in” between 3pm until 7.30pm at Uckfield Civic Centre.

The River Uck is a main river and falls outside the county council's responsibilities and, therefore, outside the remit of the drop-in sessions. The Uck is the responsibility of the Environment Agency.

Drop-in sessions are being held in other places across the county, including Lewes.

Residents can also tell the county council about their experiences by completing an online survey at www.eastsussex.gov.uk/haveyoursay. This survey closes on March 31.

A hard copy of the survey can be requested from the Flood Risk Management Senior Technical Officer (01273 481000) or printed from the website and sent to: East Sussex County Council, Transport & Environment (Ref: NJC), Freepost LW43), Lewes, BN7 1BR.

*Under the Flood and Water Management Act (2010) and the Flood Risk Regulations (2009), East Sussex County Council is identified as a Lead Local Flood Authority. The first stage outlined in these regulations is to deliver a Preliminary Flood Risk Assessment Report of the county.

This will provide the basis for subsequent detailed work on mapping, developing a local flood risk strategy and ultimately tackling significant local flood risk through specific action plans.

*Uckfield suffered from serious flash floods caused by heavy rain in 2007 and last year. In both instances, water poured down the slopes of the High Street to gather in a “lake” at the junction of the High Street and Bell Farm Lane, causing water damage to nearby shops and premises.

It was said the drains could not cope with the extreme flows of water. Our picture (taken by Ron Hill) shows the aftermath of last year's flooding on Chameleon.

Last year the flooding was on August 4. Report

Wealden District Council has sought a grant to help tackle the problem. Report

*The River Uck last broke its banks and caused major flooding in 2000. Remembering the 2000 flood

Some flood defence work has taken place since the 2000 flood and a defence wall has been built around the car park at the rear of the Co-op (formerly Somerfield) supermarket. Flood wall is ready