Town remains on flood watch

But emergency group REACT say there are still concerns about road drains on the Tilling Green estate not being able to cope with water-run-off.

Chairman Colonel Anthony Kimber said: “We monitored the extreme weather.

“Recent events have included some surface flooding in Marley Road.

“Drains in Marley Road cannot handle the excess water running off Udimore Road in extreme rainfall conditions. These drains are not up to coping with severe flash floods and REACT will be contacting the East Sussex County Council Highways Department about this issue.”

The good news though is that flood prevention measures introduced by the new Valley Park development, including large water retention reservoirs, appear to be working well.

Colonel Kimber said: “So far the Valley Park system is holding up in the bad weather we have had.”

REACT has welcomed the Highways Department introducing a new control hub at Ringmer and appointing a specific Community Highways Steward in the Rye and Winchelsea area.

Colonel Kimber said: “These stewards will be the eyes and ears of the control hub. Instead of simply reporting defects, they will get to know their areas and keep an eye on conditions so the control hub is aware of, and can deal with issues before they become major defects.”

Colonel Kimber added: “REACT is contact with several agencies including Rother Council, the County Council, Defend Our Coast and the Environment Agency about future issues such as work to update the multi-agency Rye Bay Flood Plan.”

REACT has recently commented on two planning applications, including an application to store ammonium nitrate at the Rye Wharf complex. Colonel Kimber commented: “This material can be quite hazardous if not stored properly.”

They also commented on plans to build garages alongside the railway line behind houses at Wish Barn. This application has since been rejected by Rother District Council.