County council’s flooding prevention project

However, the West Sussex County Council says thanks to its Operation Watershed, communities across the county will be better prepared this year to face up to the threat posed by flooding.

Operation Watershed was set up in 2013 to assist with community projects in West Sussex that tackle flooding problems.

Over £1m was made available in the 2014/15 financial year for community groups or parish councils to bid for funding.

The council says that large scale ditch clearances, fixing or unblocking culverts, digging drainage channels and flooding surveys have all been made possible thanks to the scheme this year.

To be eligible, community groups need to demonstrate a commitment to maintaining it, monitoring it, and raising awareness of flood risk once the project is finished.

County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, Pieter Montyn, said: “All across the county we have seen communities come forward to work with us to help them prepare themselves against flooding.

“As the weather gets wetter, the risk will increase.

“If you know of a flooding problem in your community and you want to do something about it, please get in touch. We’d love to help.”

If you are interested in finding out if Operation Watershed can help your community, e-mail: [email protected] or visit www.westsussex.gov.uk and type ‘Operation Watershed’ in the search bar.