Brighton: Flood alert issued for parts of Patcham

A flood alert was issued at 12pm today for Patcham, Brighton, by the Environment Agency.

People are being warned that groundwater levels in the area are close to the surface and rising.

They are being urged to ensure any pumps in residents’ homes are operational with flooding possible from Saturday.

A spokesman for the Environment Agency said: “While it is probable that groundwater will remain below the surface, like in December 2023, if the maximum predicted rain falls, then from Saturday minor groundwater flood impacts could be possible.

“Water could begin to appear in a small number of basements. Previous events suggest impacts may initially affect Old London Road, Patcham and Peacock Lane, Withdean.”

Flooding could also impact Mill Road near the petrol station, Audrey Close, Park Court, the bottom part of Church Hill and Greatham Court.

Sewers in Patcham have struggled with groundwater flooding in the past, as reported in The Argus last November.

Water coming up through a drain in Patcham on January 4 (Image: Chris Dovey)

Groundwater levels could rise until Wednesday, January 10, at Ladies Mile borehole.

A yellow weather warning for Sussex and the rest of the south of England was issued by the Met Office from 12pm today until 3am tomorrow.

Patcham resident David Harris monitors groundwater levels in the village.

At 6am this morning, groundwater levels were 39.85m above sea level. The level for cellar flooding in the village is 43.8m and for surface flooding is 47m.

His current forecast said there could be cellar flooding this Saturday and potentially surface flooding on Sunday.

Alistair McNair, Conservative councillor for Patcham and Hollingbury, said: “The water is rising at the moment, it is expected to enter cellars in the Old London Road area if it continues to rain.

Flooding in August around the Deneway roundabout in Patcham (Image: Patcham Against Royal Mail)

“Residents should be testing their pumps. There is no surface flooding at the moment but it is likely in the next 24 hours if it continues to rain as expected.”

It comes after disruption caused across the county by Storm Henk this week.

After 30mm of rainfall on Monday and Tuesday, a further 15 to 30mm of rain is forecast in parts of the county on Thursday, meaning areas which have already been hit by flooding could be at risk once again. 

There are 16 other flood alerts around the county and six flood warnings.

Councillor Trevor Muten, chair for the transport and sustainability committee, said: “Following sustained heavy rain, a flood alert has been issued by the Environment Agency for groundwater flooding in Patcham. 

“Areas at risk include Old London Road, parts of Church Hill and Mill Road where they meet the A23 and the Recreation Ground.

“There remains uncertainty in how much rain will occur, and exactly where. But if the maximum predicted rain falls over the next few days then minor groundwater flood impacts could be possible by the weekend. 

“Properties that are at risk have flood plans in place, and council officers have been in contact with residents to make sure they know what actions to take. The Council has contingency plans to alleviate the flood risk and will be supporting affected residents.

“We would advise residents to keep up to date with the latest flood risk situation and have a plan in place in case you need to leave your home. 

“Please visit the GOV.UK website for more information, sign up for Environment Agency flood alerts or call Floodline on 0345 988 1188.”