Following the surface flooding in November in Hassocks, local group, HKD Transition propose the formation of community flood teams. Each group will focus on key areas of the village which are prone to surface flooding, particularly during periods of leaf fall that may clog the drains as was the case in November.

The Drain Busters teams could help with leaf clearing in Autumn, to complement council efforts. They could also co-ordinate storage (and shared awareness) of brushes, rakes and sandbags, liaising with the fire brigade and West Sussex Council for any drain clearing or pumping issues. It is hoped that each ‘team’ will have its own WhatsApp group or a telephone tree (or whatever communication tool works for its volunteers) enabling the team to respond quickly if needed. HKD Transition will put the team members in touch with one another so each group can decide how best to operate.

In the meantime, the debris dams built by our volunteers in Lag Wood this year to slow the flow of flood water are holding up really well as the image demonstrates. If you would like to be involved in either project please email herring@hkdtransition.org.uk

Please visit www.hkdtransition.org.uk for more information about HKD Transition.