People can still comment on Arun to pagham flood defences plans

Due to high public interest and subsequent requests for further information, the consultation period '“ which had been due to end on September 30 '“ will continue until December 31.

If existing defences are not maintained between Arun and Pagham, more than 530 properties in low-lying areas could flood or be lost to erosion from a once-in-200-years chance weather event.

Predicted sea level rises could bring the threatened figure to 3,024 properties in 100 years' time.

The strategy recommends most properties should be protected to their current standard.

At Climping, the agency said it cannot justify maintaining the defences, which will increase the flooding risk to a small number of properties.

Flooding will also become increasingly likely on farms and some private roads and paths.

The draft strategy recognises that securing local funding for building and maintaining defences is a pressing issue.

Agency maintenance of flood defences at Climping would continue for two years so people would have time to consider how they would be affected and make private arrangements to mitigate the change.

If the strategy is adopted the agency will continue to work closely with residents and land owners to deal with these issues.

The agency's area manager James Humphrys said: "We have taken the decision to extend the consultation, giving anyone with an interest in the area more time to review the proposals.

"We have taken this action following feedback from the community about our consultation process and certain information being available to them in time.

"We've listened to this feedback and have now extended the consultation to address some of these concerns, ensuring the process is as fair and open as possible.

"The recommendations in our draft strategy have not changed and we would like to thank everyone who has responded to the consultation so far."

The Arun to Pagham draft flood and erosion risk management strategy can be downloaded at www.environment-agency.gov.uk/ consultations.

It can also be obtained by calling 08708 506506 or by visiting Bognor Regis Library or Arun District Council's offices in Bognor Regis.

For information on preparing for flooding and the latest flood warnings visit www.environment-agency.gov.uk/subjects/flood or ring Floodline on 0845 988 1188.

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