Work will begin next week to better prepare Brighton & Hove for heavy rainfall this autumn and winter.
On top of Brighton & Hove City Council's regular maintenance programme, contractors will be inspecting and clearing almost 600 drains and gullies on 237 roads in flood risk areas of the city to reduce the impact of surface water flooding.
The programme will focus on cleaning and jetting the drains and gullies we can access, identifying defects and investigating blockages. Drains obstructed by parked vehicles will still be assessed where possible and revisited at the next available date
A storm response cleaning programme will also target critical locations when weather warnings or named storms are forecast.
Councillor Trevor Muten, Cabinet member for Transport and City Infrastructure, said:
As weβve seen this summer, we are having to do more to adapt the impacts of climate change.
βWith more severe weather events and storms predicted, itβs important weβre proactive in trying to prevent surface water flooding and protect those vulnerable homes and businesses across the city.
βBy targeting high risk areas, weβre ensuring drains and gullies are clear and working effectively before the bad weather hits. Our new storm response cleaning programme will also mean weβre ready to act when heavy rainβs being forecast.
Managing flood risks across Brighton & Hove
The council's work to tackle surface water flooding is highlighted in its Local Flood Risk Management Strategy, which is currently out to public consultation.
More than 46,000 people in Brighton & Hove live in areas that could be affected by surface water flooding.Β
The strategy takes a holistic, community led approach to managing flood risk and recognises that managing flood risk requires a joined-up approach across entire neighbourhoods rather than addressing individual issues in isolation.
Read more about the strategy and give us your feedback before Sunday 27 September.
