New sewers to put end to flooding

A 77,000 refurbishment scheme of the foul water drainage system on the Downview estate has been completed.

The project to repair and upgrade the system means it should function effectively for the future.

The pipes will also be adopted by Southern Water as part of its commitment to look after public sewers.

Work on the renewal began during the summer.

It was carried out for West Sussex County Council which seized the chance offered by the proposed building of a new care home to replace Warmere Court in Downview Way to solve a long-running problem with the estate's drainage.

The system was built some 30 years ago in such a way that Southern Water was unable to adopt it as a public sewer.

The situation meant that homeowners on the estate had to pay for any maintenance.

On several occasions, the drains blocked, particularly during periods of heavy rain, to result in sewage flooding gardens and houses.

The county council has often helped out with emergency works to benefit the estate because of the presence of Warmere Court.

County councillor Christina Freeman, who represents Yapton, has been urging improvements to the situation for years.

She said: "The chance of doing something at last about the drainage system in this area presented itself when the proposals to re-build Warmere Court started to emerge.

"I am delighted that the county council has been able to fund the work and that the drains will be adopted by Southern Water.

"This is part of our total commitment to enhancing and improving the quality of life of our residents, particularly in this area where health and safety is a top priority."

Work on the new Warmere Court is due to start next August.

The home will have 40 beds against the current home's 36 beds.