Shipyard raises sea defences to stop flooding

The Arun Shipyard has been improving its flood defences this week

A shipyard in Littlehampton is raising its sea defences to prevent flooding after the River Arun caused serious flooding earlier this year.

In April, houses around Rope Walk and Riverside Estate were flooded, leaving some residents unable to return to their homes for a month.

The Arun Shipyard was flooded and its newly-opened indoor cricket centre “ruined with one night of flooding” according to owner Robert Boyce.

The tide reached 6.3m (20.6ft) on Thursday and is expected to be slightly higher on Sunday, according to the Environment Agency.

Builder Gary McGeown said they were raising the sea defences by 1.7 feet

“We’re raising the walls so the tide can’t come over and flood the properties on River Road,” said builder Gary McGeown.

“There was a flood back in April, it flooded the boat yards, the caravan park, the whole road was flooded for days. That’s why I’m here building up the sea defences.

“The tides are just getting bigger, you either have to build the walls or let it go. It’s a knock on effect of global warming.”

He said the works were being paid for by shipyard owner Mr Boyce.