Frances Haigh: Water, water everywhere!

Winter has officially arrived, bringing with it the threat of more rain. Every time we have a heavy downpour, parts of Horsham Town flood. Lib Dem Councillors have been taking action to clear the flood issues. Thanks to Cllr Morwen Millson, the flooding problems at the rear of Horsham Station and the flood in North Street by Horsham Gates offices have been resolved. We continue to press WSCC to deal with other minor floods around the area caused by blocked drains. But what about major flooding incidents?

Last year parts of Horsham close to the River Arun and Boldings Brook saw high water levels. Homes in Riverside were under water, and homes in Tanbridge Park and River Walk were threatened. Local residents are trying to find solutions and answers as to why their homes have suddenly come under threat. They brought their case to Denne Neighbourhood Council last week and are planning to form a residents’ action group to tackle flooding issues and to apply for funds from WSCC’s Operation Watershed. Meanwhile Forest Neighbourhood Council are also considering applying to Operation Watershed.

To understand the problem, it is important to look at the network of main streams. In the north west of the town is Boldings Brook. This collects water from across the area south of Capel, flows through a floodplain near Warnham Station, through Warnham Nature Reserve and West of the town, joining the River Arun near Hills Farm Lane. On the north east side is Chennells Brook, which collects water from the area between Rusper Road and Faygate, flows though the north of the town and joins with Boldings Brook at Warnham Mill Pond. To the south of the Town is the River Arun, which gathers water from all the various streams and ponds, such as Hammerponds and the areas up to Mannings Heath. The River Arun then heads west towards Broadbridge Heath before weaving in the meadows between the villages of Slinfold, Rudgwick and then heading south to Wisborough Green, the floodplains between Pulborough and Arundel, and down to the coast at Littlehampton.