VIDEO: Temporary flood defences in place for Arundel

Contractors, working on the behalf of the Environment Agency, are using the rocks to prevent further deterioration of the wall, which are expected to stay in place until tomorrow (Tuesday, January 12).

A family home backing onto the damaged wall in River Road were forced to leave their home.

Residents living within the vicinity have been warned of further flood risks this week.

The Met Office has forecast dry spells on Tuesday, but with more rain expected on Wednesday and Thursday.

Owner of the Kings Arms pub in Tarrant Street, Charlie Malcolmson, said the evacuated family came to his pub for a ‘stiff drink’ following the disaster.

He said: “We had the owners of the house come by after it happened. A few others living further along River Road are getting a bit worried now.

“We’re okay here because we’re about 30ft above.”

The Environment Agency has been on site with partners and contractors every day since Friday.

A crane has been used to lift the rocks into place and specialist pumps are also on the site.

The road closures to Kings Arms Hill, Arun Street and a section of River Road will remain in place to allow the work to take place safely.

A spokesman for the Environment Agency said: “We are asking that the public do not try to access these closed roads as this could jeopardise the work we are trying to do.

“Following the recent rainfall the ground across Sussex is saturated and we currently expect a wet and unsettled period of weather this week. Tides will also be high throughout the early part of this week, so we are out checking our coastal defences.

Also, we remain out in force checking and maintaining inland flood defences, clearing blockages in watercourses and monitoring water levels in rivers and groundwater.”

Arundel and South Downs MP Nick Herbert, who is also a resident of Arundel, said: “There’s been widespread praise in the town for the Environment Agency, emergency services and our local councils who responded with impressive speed to deal with this situation.

“I would like to thank all those who have been working hard over the weekend, and in some cases overnight, to help the property owners and to prevent flooding.”

If you are concerned about your home, check the flood risk by clicking here or follow @EnvAgencySE and #floodaware on Twitter for the latest flood updates.

Practical advice can be found on GOV.UK or by calling Floodline on 0345 9881188.

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