Flood fears for Aldingbourne Rife

The heavy rainfall of the past few weeks has highlighted concerns that the reeds which have once again grown in the waterway could stop its swollen volume of water from flowing away.

Ray Peake, of Hook Lane, Aldingbourne, said: "Last week there were floods in Wales and parts of England, yet again.

"The Rife in Aldingbourne is again choked with reeds. It is also choked at Tesco in Bognor.

"It is logical to assume it is the same between. Whatever authority is responsible for keeping our watercourses clear, it is plain for all to see that they are not doing their job.

Their salaries are paid by taxpayers to look after our welfare. With our upredictable climate none of our draincourses should never be choked anywhere at anytime.

"Does the coastal plain have to flood and cause untold misery before they get off their backsides and pull the reeds and shopping trolleys out?"

An Environment Agency spokeswoman said reports which were received with concerns about potential flood risk were investigated to assess whether immediate action needed to be taken.

"With regards to routine maintenance, we are just entering into the trimming season and Aldingbourne Rife is due to be cut back in the coming weeks," she stated.

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