Gullies in Rottingdean will be cleared more regularly following last week’s flash flooding in the High Street.
The road, including the junction with the A259, was underwater after heavy rain was unable to escape during Thursday morning’s downpour.
Today, Brighton and Hove City Council said the last time the High Street gullies were checked was November 2024 – with a more recent inspection of May 2025 for Marine Drive.
But it said it will now increase the priority for clearing gullies in the town centre.
Cabinet member for transport Trevor Muten said: “This summer we have seen unprecedented dry spells which we know, when coupled with intense rainfall, has the potential to increase the risk of local flooding.
“Both of these weather types are a result of climate change and, unfortunately, are likely to become more and more common.
“That is why we are currently consulting on a new flood risk management strategy.
“In terms of the recent flooding experiencing in Rottingdean, we know that blocked gullies contributed to the issue – despite both the High Street and Marine Drive having been checked and cleared as part of our ongoing maintenance programme.
“Full inspections took place in November 2024 for the High Street and May 2025 for Marine Drive. This may seem a relatively long time ago, but neither has previously been considered in our top bracket for risk and our inspection cycle for this area is every 24 months, and both will have seen clearances in response to conditions last winter.
“For context, this year we have 7,633 gullies programmed to be cleared. Our team will also carry out informal and ad-hoc inspections when risk of flood is higher and where we receive reports of blockages from residents.
“We are reviewing our programme across the city to ensure the frequency of inspections and clearances is correct based on data and recent experiences of flooding.
“For example, having visited Rottingdean following last week’s flooding, we will now increase the priority for clearances on the High Street and other nearby gullies.”
Well there’s a surprise, clean out sreet drains and guttering, who’d have thought.