Multiple factors caused Hastings floods - report

Shops in Priory Meadow centre were damaged and lost stock due to the floods

Multiple factors played a part in causing flooding to Hastings town centre last winter, a report has concluded.

The Priory Meadow Shopping Centre was flooded, along with several homes and nearby Alexandra Park, following a deluge of rain in January.

The report, commissioned by East Sussex County Council (ESCC), found the main reasons for the flooding were unusually heavy rainfall that coincided with high tide, an overflowing manhole and a sewer that was partially blocked by shingle.

Southern Water, which has been asked to repair and improve its infrastructure, said the report was a "milestone" but there were "still important questions to be answered".

"The work must continue to focus on understanding the root causes of flooding affecting the town, and determine the best solutions to reduce future flood risks," said John Penicud, director of wastewater operations at Southern Water.

The report said that on 16 January - the day the floods took place - Hastings recorded 39mm (1.5 in) of rainfall over seven hours.

Rainfall levels were also above average in the months leading up to the flooding.

This "coincided with a high tide level at Hastings Pier" on the day of the flooding.

The investigation also found water overflowed from a manhole on South Terrace, which was installed by Southern Water in 2019.

The water company "has yet to locate documentation which provides an assessment of its flood risk implications," the report said.

Mr Penicud said Southern Water said it would "continue to work with everyone involved" and was committed to playing its "full role in both investigating and implementing sustainable solutions for the community”.

Additionally, a CCTV survey found a sewer was partially blocked by shingle which contributed to properties being flooded in York Gardens, Wellington Place, Roberston Street and Harold Place.

To prevent future floods, the report suggested "the repair and improvement of the existing infrastructure" and "improved monitoring of flood levels".

It also suggested introducing measures to reduce excess surface water.

Hastings Borough Council is currently considering asking Southern Water for compensation for several flooding events over the last two years, including the incident in January.

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