Your Conservative Crawley Borough Council has consistently sought to improve the flood protection that we provide for residents, working in partnership with a number of agencies.  We also appreciate the concerns that residents have in times of flooding and, in particular, this winter

The vast majority of flooding is surface water flooding caused by the drainage system not being able to cope with the volume. We attend regular senior meetings with the responsible authorities (WSCC (West Sussex County Council), Thames Water, West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service).  The next meeting is 31st.March where we will continue to urge further action.

We retain an in-house team to assist with flood prevention and a local engineering contractor who identify risk, clear grills and liaise with the Environment Agency and other partners.  Crawley Borough Council also provides rest centres and support when needed as was the case with the flooding at Gables Nursing Home in Ifield.

The problems with the Gatwick North Terminal flooding are being dealt with by the owners Gatwick Airport Limited and an internal review was undertaken with the results delivered this week.  It is understood that additional funding will be assigned by them to rectify the issues identified.  We continue to work with them as the Local Planning Authority and via the Gatwick Airport Constultative Committee.

The Council has invested £3.8 million since 2000 installing flood defences in Maidenbower, Furnace Green, Tilgate, Ifield and Pound Hill working with WSCC and the Environment Agency.  This work continues with substantial funding in our capital programme.  There is clear evidence that the works undertaken have contributed in a major way the reduction in flooding since 2000.

New areas will be prioritised.  The present capital programme is £1.3 million up to 2016 and an extra £300,000 is planned.  Our recent Operation Watershed bid of £46,000 to WSCC was successful and will provide for local flood prevention works.

Looking at some specific flood prevention projects:

Upper Mole Flood Alleviation Scheme.  We continue to champion this scheme via the Steering Board and other bodies to ensure progress.

Tilgate – complete. potects Tilgate, Furnace Green and helps flow at Three Bridges

Grattons, Pound Hill – complete, provides benefit downstream

Worth Farm – complete awaiting commissioning by the Environment Agency.

Clays Lake – delayed, Mid Sussex District Council planning approval received in February.  Once complete will protect Maidenbower assist in Three Bridges.

Ifield – awaiting funding, meeting with senior management of the Environment Agency on 3rd March to address this.

We continue to drive forwardl a comprehensive range of flood prevention measures to protect Crawley residents.

Councillor Ken Trussell

Crawley Borough Council Cabinet Member for Environmental Services