Why are the purpose-built reservoirs at the side of the A23 between Patcham and Pyecombe empty?

They were made to catch the rain water run-off from the new road when it was constructed.

If the water is not being held in the reservoirs, it is flowing directly down on to the railtrack and seeping in to the ground to feed the drains and new spring at the Patcham roundabout.

If they worked properly, would they have helped keep the water from flooding the railway line directly below them?

Would they have prevented or delayed the effect of the flooding in Patcham?

How much did they cost? Will taxpayers get a refund because they do not work correctly? Will Brighton and Hove Council or a construction company be made accountable if the reservoirs compounded the flood situation?

-Gavin Williams, Address supplied