THIS IS FINDON VILLAGE — these Findon Chronicles were created by Valerie Martin and contain scenes from her home village of Findon,
West Sussex, U.K.    Everyday stories about real people.

FINDON FLOODING

Copyright Valerie Martin 2003

Findon's fame rests on its fort, its fair, its furlongs — (over which National Hunt horses are trained) .... and also its flooding.

Back in July 1987 it was reported that Findon residents were holding their breaths and waiting for the next heavy rainfall in the village.   Fears were rising about a possible tide of floodwater sweeping down the High Street because of drainage problems (how many times have we heard that over the years!).

It was said that flood boards had to be set up by some of the street's inhabitants in the past, and for some residents the problem had become a constant worry.

Marguerite Tripp of Drake Cottage in the High Street described the drainage as "useless" and said ...

"We only need a minor downpour and we get a fast stream straight down the street.   This has resulted in one of the drains dramatically producing a 2 ft. high foundation.   At night time, the drain outside my bedroom window sounds like the percussion section of an orchestra when it bangs up and down with water.   I have been fearful of the lid flying off".

Heather Norris of Elmcroft in the High Street said ..

"We had moved here only three days when we had a river down the street.   We now have to insert flood boards in our doorways and every time the drains clog we rush out and pick bits out of them to let the water flow down".

Findon Parish Councillor, Thelma Frederick, said the High Street was the lowest lying point in the village and where there was excessive surface water it tended to flow down this street.   Of about 30 drains in the High Street, all of them had various degrees of silting.

In October 1987, torrential rain over the hours of darkness brought more misery to householders and flooded the roads of Findon.

The main A24 was blocked by water several feet deep and local people with torches flagged down drivers to warn them after several vehicles broke down trying to ford the "river".

Surface water cascaded through the village lanes and the High Street was just like a "river" too.   Firemen worked almost round the clock using plastic sheeting to patch up homes where rain was pouring in through holes in the roof.   Rain damage forced families to evacuate their homes, as these became too wet or dangerous to stay in.

It was subsequently reported in the press that constant pressure from the Findon Parish Council had caused officials to take yet another look at the drainage system in the village.   Although remedial work would involve digging up the road, they were hopeful of curing the problem once and for all!

In the autumn of 2003, I received a request for information on flooding in the village and I thought this worth recording.... it was not the first time I had been asked....

Over the years it appears that there has been substantial flooding in Findon every time there has been heavy rain.   One of the contributory factors is thought to be the infilling of old ponds in the village.  

Another theory is that the water is flowing along a former ancient stream (river) under the road instead of draining away.   I've often thought this myself.

Whatever the reason, the end result is that water comes back out of manholes and drains, despite efforts by the County Council.

Continue if you would like to read.... Findon Tsunami

This is Findon Village — www.findonvillage.com is a continually growing record created by Valerie Martin exclusively for documenting life in Findon.