A PLUCKY electrician waded through filthy water to fix a pump that saved a festive running event.

James Streeter, 36, endured the stench of foul and mucky floodwaters to ensure the Eastbourne Christmas Parkrun would go ahead.

He worked in his own time in December to fit a new pump to make sure water was pumped out of an underpass at Shinewater Park, Eastbourne.

It followed a deluge of torrential rain which had left the tunnel flooded, and runners feared the annual Christmas Parkrun would not go ahead.

The pump had previously been damaged by vandals.

Legend

James, who works as an electrician for East Sussex Highways, was praised as a “legend” and a “star”, as a record 400 people took part in the event.

He worked for hours as he waded through the dark and smelly water to make sure the event would not be cancelled

The footpath had been flooded in water that was three feet deep, and even helped save a cyclist who nearly got stranded in the flood.

He said: “The Christmas Day parkrun is a really big thing in Eastbourne, and I know people would have been disappointed if it had been cancelled – I also didn’t want to leave it all flooded over the Christmas period.

“I went down there after finishing my shift as I just wanted to get it sorted.

“I was there for a few hours and was covered in black, smelly, silty water.

“But I felt quite satisfied afterwards and it’s a nice feeling to have been able to help.”

Karl Taylor, East Sussex County Council assistant director of operations, said: “All year round, our highways crews go the extra mile in all weathers to ensure we can keep people moving.

Grateful

“By braving floodwater, in his own time and just before Christmas, James was able to fix the pump and save the parkrun.

“I know that a lot of people are really grateful for his efforts in ensuring this much-loved event could go ahead.”

Mr Taylor said the pump previously suffered considerable damage due to vandalism and temporary measures have been in place while a permanent solution was being investigated.

The authority says that in addition to the new pump, further measures will be put in place later this month to protect the pump and allow for improved monitoring of flooding.

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