Anyone travelling within a mile of Portslade old village will have seen the yellow diversion signs.

Buses have also been re-routed around our village, as the road is closed for three months while Southern Water attempts to alleviate the flooding the area has experienced for many years.

There is still pedestrian access, however, and plenty of off-street parking near village businesses.

The only the signs displaying this extra information, however, are either side of the village itself, so are not seen by the majority who are bypassing the area.

Even local residents may not be aware they can still get a paper, go to the post office, have a drink and buy fish and chips from the village fish bar where, while they queue, they can see a display of views of old Portslade next to recent photos taken in the same place.

The inconvenience to the local community is worth it if the longstanding flood problem is finally resolved.

I understand, however, that after just two weeks, businesses are beginning to struggle.

The local community needs to pull together, support our village traders and minimise any adverse effect until the project is completed in spring 2007.

  • Penny Gilbey, Chalky Road, Portslade