Help keep Hassocks flood-ready

Hassocks Parish Council is calling on residents to report flood risks to the relevant authorities, know their responsibilities and volunteer if able.

Flooding can have immediate and lasting effects, from damage and disruption to the stress of recovery. However, small, timely actions can help water flow freely and protect homes, businesses and roads during heavy rain. By reporting problems early, maintaining private watercourses and offering practical support, residents can help strengthen Hassocks’ resilience.

Flood management responsibilities

• Road Sweeping: Mid Sussex District Council
• Public highways drainage and gullies: West Sussex County Council
• Water supply: South East Water
• Sewerage and water mains drainage: Southern Water
• Adastra Park, Parkland Copse and Talbot Field: Hassocks Parish Council
• Rivers and streams on your property: Riparian owners.

Hassocks Parish Council has limited direct responsibilities related to flood prevention or management, but we can support the community to deal with local concerns. Through our Flood Working Group, we can monitor risks, consider possible solutions and advise other layers of local government on action. For example, we recently asked West Sussex County Council and Mid Sussex District Council to confirm schedules for their street and gully cleansing programmes.

Report a flood risk

If you see leaves, litter or other debris blocking a drain, ditch or stream or any other flood risk, you should report it directly to the landowner or relevant authority. If you are unsure of who to report it to, you can contact Hassocks Parish Council directly (info@hassocks-pc.gov.uk | 01273 842714).

If there is an immediate threat to life resulting from the flood risk, you should contact emergency services on 999. Do not enter flood water or attempt to clear a watercourse if doing so could put you or others at risk.

Volunteer to help

The Flood Working Group is putting together a volunteer group to periodically clear leaves leaves blocking drain grids/covers along Keymer Road at suitable times of year and for other flood prevention tasks. We have ordered hi-vis jackets and can arrange additional equipment, training and insurance. If you would like to take part, please email info@hassocks-pc.gov.uk or call 01273 842714.

If you have expertise in drainage, water management, flood resilience or the local watercourses and would like to join or support the Flood Working Group, please email info@hassocks-pc.gov.uk or call 01273 842714.

We estimate that – depending on number of volunteers and weather conditions – about an hour a week would be needed autumn and early winter.

Riparian Ownership

If a stream, ditch or culvert runs on, beneath or alongside your property, you are a ‘riparian owner’. Hassocks has at least 450 such properties. Riparian ownership brings rights, but also responsibilities to maintain the watercourse and allow water to pass without obstruction. Keeping your section clear can reduce risks to your own property and the wider community.

In 2023/24 the Council produced and distributed a ‘Riparian Ownership and Responsibilities’ guide to help residents understand what this means. Please read it if you think your property may be affected or contact us to request a printed copy.

More information

Hassocks is on a flood plain, with at least five streams flowing through the village towards the River Adur. These watercourses are an important part of our natural environment, but they can also threaten property and essential routes when water levels rise. Localised flooding of the high street in Hassocks has historically occurred at the lowest point near Spitalford Bridge when gullies to the east and west become blocked with leaves and debris.

Climate change is bringing drier summers followed by and wetter winters likely to be exacerbated by this year’s El Niño, increasing pressure on drainage systems and making preparation increasingly important.

Hassocks flood risk map

Find reporting links, guidance and more information on our flooding page.