WBC Text about Flooding

The Council takes responsibility for approximately 7.5 km of coastline under the terms of the Coast Protection Act 1949 as the Coast Protection Authority. It is also the owner of 0.3km of beach adjoining its eastern boundary, which it manages as a private landowner.

The following paragraphs explain how the Council manages the protection of Worthing from the sea be it from erosion or flooding.

Worthing's coast protection or defence against the sea is, and remains, a shingle berm or bank. Since the early 1800's this bank has been formed and managed as the primary line of defence against the erosion and flooding of Worthing.

The beach has been formed by the accumulation of shingle, which moves along the coast, in a predominately west to east direction, under the natural action of wind and waves.

The groyne field that exists along the length of the Worthing frontage acts to reduce the degree of alongshore drift by capturing the shingle and maintaining the beach level.

The landward side of the beach is now largely used as a promenade or footpath and consists, in the main, of rubble or chalk fill. The primary protection, the beach, can arguably be described as Worthing's "largest and most important single man made structure".

The groyne field consists, in the main, of timber groynes with a small number newer rock groynes. In some areas additional rock revetments have been installed to protect vulnerable areas.

Coastal Evolution

For the past 1000 years the coastline has changed significantly. It is only recently though, 200 years or so, that the low lying salt marsh areas which were regularly inundated by the tide were eroded to form the seeds of the beach that we have now.

In combination with the growth of development behind the beach essential coast protection measures were gradually introduced to stem the continued erosion of land.

Management

The management of the coastline from regional down to local level consists of a series of plans and strategies, which aim to deliver maximum protection and value for money.

In 1997 the Shoreline Management Plan produced for the South Downs Coastal Group for the area between the Beachy Head and Selsey bill was adopted. This Plan funded by all the local authorities together with the Environment Agency provides the basis for sustainable coastal defence policies and sets objectives for the future management of the coastline.

These policies take account of the inter-relationship between defences, developments and coastal processes within the defined area. It avoids as far as possible tying future generations into inflexible and expensive options for defence. More information on the Plan can be obtained at Portland House or on the South Downs Coastal Group Website.

The Rivers Arun to Adur Coast Defence Strategy was completed and adopted by Worthing Borough and Arun District Councils together with the Environment Agency for this area in 2000. The Strategy develops the overarching policies of the Shoreline Management Plan for flood and coastal defence and delivers them as packaged programmes of work.

Further details of this Strategy can be obtained at Portland House or from the attached link to the Executive Summary and supplement.

Maintenance

The Engineering Team manages all the maintenance of the groyne field, beach and other associated structures. Further details and recent activities are highlighted on the attached quarterly bulletins.

Flooding

Although land levels behind the beach vary in height there is a relatively low risk of inundation by the sea over topping it along the whole frontage of Worthing. This risk, as would be expected, is increased during prolonged severe storms. The areas that are most at risk of flooding are detailed on the Environment Agency's (EA) Website.

Despite all efforts flooding can and does occur. Where possible the Council will assist except in the following instances

• if the property is known to be in the Environment Agency's flood risk zone or;
• Has flooded in the past.

If your property is in imminent danger of being flooded do not hesitate to contact the Council on 01903 221372. One of the Engineers from the Property & Facilities Management Section will determine the extent of the problem and arrange the appropriate action as necessary.

For guidance, assistance will only be provided for residential properties themselves and specifically excludes conservatories, garages outhouses and gardens.

Seaweed

For hundreds of years Worthing is often plagued with heavy casts of seaweed. This is a natural occurrence and not known to be hazardous to health but nevertheless unpleasant when it begins to decompose. When appropriate the Council will arrange for the seaweed to be collected and pushed, by hired bulldozers, back into the sea. Obviously this will only work when the tide and wind are favourable.

Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) High Level Targets

Following Ministerial Agreement with the Environment Agency, the Local Government Association and the Association of Drainage Authorities, DEFRA (formerly MAFF) published a number of High Level Targets for flood and coastal defence Operating Authorities. The targets were designed to ensure a more certain delivery by Operating Authorities of the Government's policy aims and objectives. The first and primary target (Target 1) required Operating Authorities to produce a policy statement by 31 March 2001 which set out their plans for delivering the Governments policy aims and objectives. All of the targets can be viewed by visiting DEFRA's website.