Lewes
Flood
Action

Its aims are:

1. Protection of Lewes

To press for protection measures to achieve a 1:200 year standard throughout Lewes as part of any future Ouse Valley Strategy;

To press government for the publication of its proposals for Lewes by the end of 2004;

To ensure that all possible means of protection are explored including:

• upstream and downstream storage
• a downstream tidal barrier
• increasing water flow through or around Lewes in existing or new channels
• managing surface water drainage
• considering flood risks in new planning proposals
• assessing knock-on effects of new defences on other undefended flood cells.

2. Insurance

To press the insurance industry to provide equitable and reasonable flood cover.

3. Flood Preparedness

To work with the statutory agencies to:

• improve warning systems ;
• expand a trained flood warden network;
• encourage individual households to improve their flood resilience.

4. Public Participation

To ensure better participation in flood protection policies and decision-making by:

• monitoring and influencing Environment Agency and local authority plans ;
• pressing for and taking part in a reactivated EA Stakeholders Group;
• holding public meetings;
• a proactive media campaign;
• liaising with MPs and key councillors.

5. Funding for Flood Defences

To press for an adequate and fair national system of funding, with:

• increased government investment in river flood defences;
• fairer calculation of costs and benefits, including health and social costs.