Nick Gibb MP went with senior Southern Water officials on a tour of some of the areas around Bognor Regis that have been most affected by the flooding over the last few weeks.
The Southern Water contingent was headed by Chris Braham, Head of Strategic Asset Management for Southern Water nationally.
We visited West Drive and Southdean Close in Middleton; Shripney Road and Shripney Lane in Bognor Regis and Addison Way in Bersted.
Nick Gibb said, “As the flood water begins to drain away, it’s vitally important that we understand how to prevent future recurrences of people’s homes and businesses being flooded, even in times of high rainfall.
“To do this most effectively, it’s important that senior executives from Southern Water, together with local area managers see first hand what happened at a local level. We met residents with detailed knowledge of the effects of the flooding on sewerage pipes and manholes.
“It was a very worthwhile exercise and we will now follow that up with regular meetings that will also include the Environment Agency, West Sussex County Council, Arun District Council and local residents’ representatives to ensure action is taken and, where appropriate, investment is made.”
Photo 1: West Drive, Middleton-on Sea. From left Chris Braham (Southern Water); Nick Gibb; Tim Stephens (Chairman of the Elmer Beach Residents’ Association); Southern Water senior technical experts Neil and Phil.
Photo 2: Southdean Close, Middleton. Chris Braham (Southern Water) with Nick Gibb and Councillor Jacky Pendleton and other Southern Water staff.
Photo 3: Shripney Lane - Southern Water officials with Nick Gibb and Councillor Keir Greenway.
Photo 4: Neil Packham (Southern Water Sewer Network Manager) with Cllr Keir Greenway and Nick Gibb
Photo 5 - Addison Way. From left: Cllr Keir Greenway; Chris Braham (Southern Water); Nick Gibb; Phil Richey (Southern Water ); Neil Packham (Southern Water)