Residents urged to apply for flood prevention funding

West Sussex County Council is reminding residents to apply to the Operation Watershed fund set up as a result of the flash floods of 2012, 2013 and 2014.
County Hall North, Horsham, West Sussex. Photo by Derek MartinCounty Hall North, Horsham, West Sussex. Photo by Derek Martin
County Hall North, Horsham, West Sussex. Photo by Derek Martin

While the county basks in summer sunshine, the county council wants to press on with helping communities stay safe against extreme weather.

Communities affected by flooding, who want help to stop it happening again, should get in touch.

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£1m is available from the County Council’s Operation Watershed fund for community projects delivering improvements that prevent flooding or help to make their town or village more resilient.

Typical projects include:

- Clearing private ditches that have been neglected;

- Buying or hiring equipment such as shovels, waders or diggers for communities to use;

- Commissioning surveys and/or reports; and

- Developing community flood plans.

County council cabinet member for residents’ services, Lionel Barnard, said: “We want to remind people that funding is there.

“Now is the time to be doing the work in readiness for the coming winter, so if you know there is a flooding issue in your community or neighbourhood, tell us.”

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Lionel added: “Autumn is the best time of year to carry out ditch clearances, because it falls outside nesting season for birds.

“If you need help with clearing your ditch, especially if it is a water course that runs through your property, now is the time to make contact.

“Your local community officer can advise you how to get help from the Operation Watershed fund.”

For more information e-mail: [email protected] or visit www.westsussex.gov.uk and type ‘Operation Watershed’ in the search bar.