Newsletter November 2004
 The Malling Brooks Flood Alleviation Scheme is the first phase of flood defence improvements to be undertaken by the Environment Agency in Lewes. This newsletter gives an update on progress as construction of the scheme nears completion and provides details of the forthcoming bonfire event on 5th November in the Malling Recreation Ground, which will go ahead as normal.
The construction of the new flood defences has progressed well and the main works are on programme to be completed by mid November 2004. The car park beneath the Mayhew Way flyover has now been reopened to the public after completion of the new floodwall and car park access. Minor works are still required in this area but they will cause minimal disruption to the public.
The majority of the new flood defence embankments around the Malling Recreation Ground have now been completed. The embankments are constructed from chalk which was reused from a local source. The embankments have now been covered with topsoil and seeded. It will take approximately 1 year for the grass to establish itself and bind the topsoil together and a temporary fence has been erected to protect the embankments during this period.
 The new floodwall constructed along the riverside footpath adjacent to Tesco is complete. The floodwall is constructed of steel sheet piles, which have been clad in brick finished with a coping stone. A new access ramp and steps has been constructed over the floodwall to provide pedestrians with access to Tesco from the footpath.
The riverside footpath beside Tesco is currently being reinstated and will reopen by the end of November 2004. The area between the new floodwall and the footpath is soon to be landscaped with semi-mature trees and shrubs
A new floodgate is soon to be fitted into the wall to the north of Tesco. This floodgate will provide the emergency services with access to the River Ouse and allow maintenance of the riverbank to take place. To maintain the integrity of the flood defences protecting Malling Brooks, this floodgate will normally remain closed and locked.
Bonfire Preparations
There are six bonfire societies is Lewes. One of these societies, Waterloo, was founded in 1964 and has since annually held a bonfire on the Malling Recreation Ground on 5th November. This event attracts approximately 20,000 people and is very important to the local community.
The site team has worked closely with Lewes District Council and the Waterloo Bonfire Society to ensure that this popular event can take place as usual.
 The works contractor, Van Oord, has recently removed the site offices, plant and materials from the site compound in the Recreation Ground. They have also provided access to the site for the Waterloo Bonfire Society so that preparations could be made for the event.
The site compound surface has been levelled out. However, it has not been possible to grass some areas due to the time of year. This means that some areas of the Recreation Ground are likely to become muddy, so it is recommended that appropriate footwear should be worn.
Unfortunately, the riverside footpath beside Tesco will not be open in time for 5th November. This is primarily as a result of some bad weather that has been encountered recently.
The Recreation Ground can be accessed from the Mayhew Way / Brooks Close roundabout. The Bonfire Society will be providing signage and marshalling from the Phoenix Causeway to the Recreation Ground.
We would like to thank you again for your patience during these vital flood defence works.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call one of us on the numbers below.
Advice for visitors from the
Lewes Bonfire Council
 If you are intending to visit the Lewes bonfires this year, you may find the following advice helpful:
1. Clothing
It is likely to be a long evening and may be cold, wet and muddy so wear appropriate clothing and footwear.
2. Children and Animals
The volume of people and loud noises make bonfire events unsuitable for animals and very small children.
3. Your Health
We understand that the St John Ambulance Association will be in attendance at the events. They advise asthma sufferers to bring their medication to the event as the smoke generated by the bonfires can provoke attacks.
4. Safety
The police will confiscate any fireworks found on your person. Try not to drop any litter that could cause others to trip or fall. Be patient when making your way through the crowds.
5. Transport
Do remember that when the evening is over there will be tens of thousands of people converging in the railway station and you may have to wait a considerable time to catch your train home.
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