Bogus traders warning to West Sussex flood victims

Bracklesham was one of the worst affected areas, with two holiday parks flooded

People affected by severe flooding in West Sussex are being warned against falling victim to rogue traders.

West Sussex County Council said trading standards had received reports of cold callers offering to carry out repairs to damaged properties in Littlehampton.

"Whenever an emergency of this nature occurs, it seems to bring unscrupulous traders out of the woodwork," said Councillor Christine Field.

The council said it had a list of approved and reputable builders.

"If you do need emergency work done to your property, ignore the claims of bogus callers if they turn up at your door," said Ms Field.

On Saturday, only two flood alerts remained across the whole of South East England, with six flood warnings and alerts lifted by the Environment Agency (EA) in the last 24 hours.

However, it said further rain could lead to more flooding in areas already vulnerable.

Butlins blocked

The EA set up an incident command centre at Bracklesham Lane car park in Bracklesham Bay to co-ordinate its response after many hundreds of people were affected by flooding.

An emergency channel was dug through sea defences to help release trapped water

About 250 homes in Elmer were flooded, with residents rescued by boat and taken to rest centres and temporary accommodation.

More than 20 people, including several children, were rescued from flooded caravans at two holiday parks in Bracklesham Bay and flood waters also reached the Manorfield care home in Earnley.

Havens' Church Farm holiday camp, near Chichester, was also flooded and access roads to Butlins in Bognor Regis were closed.

Worthing Hospital's basement and lift shaft was flooded, several schools and one college were shut and many roads were impassable.

An emergency channel had to be dug through sea defences to release flood waters and firefighters used pumps to lower river levels.

Arun District Council officers are continuing to staff a flood recovery vehicle to give advice to residents.

It is stationed in Elmer's shopping area on Saturday until 21:00 BST.

It will be in South Terrace, Littlehampton on Sunday, in Barnham near the railway station on Monday, Wick on Tuesday and South Bersted on Wednesday.