If you have news you would like publicised here please contact the clerk.
UPDATE 7TH DECEMBER - NOT CURRENTLY ON FLOOD ALERT AFTER RIVER LEVELS FELL
The Environment Agency has issued a Flood Alert for the River Rother and its tributaries, stating that flooding is possible but not to properties, and advises people to avoid using low lying footpaths or entering areas prone to flooding. There are three types of warning issued when flooding is forecast. These warnings are: flood alerts, flood warnings and severe flood warnings. The Environment Agency continue to monitor the situation closely. You can register for flood warnings by phone text or email at https://www.gov.uk/sign-up-for-flood-warnings
Please take care of yourselves and dogs if out walking whilst water levels are high and make sure young people stay away from the streams and river - flows are very strong in high water situations.
Last week we contacted National Highways on behalf of residents for an explanation of the works being undertaken at the roundabout on weeknights from 8pm to 5am. We have finally had a response today to confirm that all the works along the A21, including those at the roundabout, are part of the A21 safety package. Details here https://nationalhighways.co.uk/.../a21-safety-package/.... This includes improvements to signs and lighting, and some changes to speed limits. The works at the roundabout have been noisy because they have included drilling for electrical connections for new lighting columns and illuminated signs and will continue on the south side of the roundabout until 2nd December. After that works will continue along the A21 up to Johns Cross until 8th December, with full closure of the A21 between Northbridge Street roundabout and John's Cross on weeknights until 15th December. We have been told that they try to do the noisiest work at the start of their night shifts.
Those residents who are in close proximity to the A21 were sent postcards explaining the works from Hurst Green to Hastings on 22nd September. The dates on the postcards sent to residents have changed in response to the wet weather (please use dates above). If you wish to contact National Highways call 0300 123 5000 open 24/7 or email info@nationalhighways.co.uk
The next Parish Council Meeting will be on Monday 20th November at Robertsbridge Hall at 7:30pm. Press and public are welcome to attend. Up to 15 minutes will be allowed at the start of the meeting for public comments and questions. You can see the notice for the meeting here
The agenda for the meetingia available on the council meeting.
As always, the Robertsbridge Branch of the Royal British Legion will be leading the Remembrance commemorations for the village. Here is an outline of events:
Thank you to everyone who helped on Saturday, both in clearing surface water and drains to ensure there was no damage to property, and also in spreading the word that flood gates might be deployed due to very high river levels. Luckily nature was on our side and the heavy rain stopped before this was necessary.
We are aware that a significant proportion of local residents were not living in the village during the damaging floods in 2000. Since then the flood gates have been built to avoid similar flooding. Before last weekend we had started discussing with the Environment Agency about holding a flood awareness community event next Summer. This would be to ensure everyone has the opportunity to find out how the Environment Agency monitors river levels and what happens when they deploy the flood gates in Station Road and on the Clappers.
Good news. Despite more rain to come until about 1am, peak is expected below level where deployment of the flood gates is necessary. Level is expected to reach approximately the same as earlier in the week - so fields under but no concern re roads etc.
We will of course update if anything changes. And we have more sandbags if anyone has any surface water issues. The Environment Agency will be monitoring all night. Take care everyone.
Please share this message with your friends. It would be helpful if you could check your neighbours are aware of the situation, particularly if you think they may not use the Internet.
More rain is forecast for tonight/tomorrow. The Environment Agency has warned that on predicted levels (on top of currently full rivers) they anticipate that they MAY have to deploy the FLOOD GATES tomorrow late pm/early evening. If so, it would mean some disruption, in that Station Road and the Clappers would be closed to traffic. We will have some sandbags available in the morning if needed and we will try to keep everyone updated on Facebook and here but please be aware that very high water is anticipated. Please be patient and kind to our flood team... they are there to protect us.
For residents of Northbridge Street who may be concerned about the situation high river levels do not in themselves directly flood into Northbridge Street. However we have liaised with our County Councillor Paul Redstone who, to reassure those in Northbridge Street, has requested some extra sandbags, and also asked National Highways to check the drains in the layby on the A21 are clear.
Take care near the swollen watercourses - please warn children about the dangers of playing in flood water etc. and by fast flowing waterways. If you normally park your car in the Recreation Ground car park, it would be best removed - if they do close the gates, vehicles will not be able to get in or out of the Rec.
The good news is that the rain is due to stop tomorrow pm, and Sunday is forecast dry, so there will hopefully be time for the water levels to drop back down.
Environment Agency have issued a Flood Alert
At 9.45am today the Environment Agency issued a Flood Alert for the River Rother and its tributaries, stating that flooding is possible and advises people to avoid using low lying footpaths or entering areas prone to flooding. There are three types of warning issued when flooding is forecast. These warnings are: flood alerts, flood warnings and severe flood warnings. The Enviroment Agency continue to monitor the situation closely. You can register for flood warnings by phone text or email at https://www.gov.uk/sign-up-for-flood-warnings
Please take care of yourselves and dogs if out walking whilst water levels are high and make sure young people stay away from the streams and river - flows are very strong in high water situations.
There will be a Planning Committee Meeting on Monday 6th November 2023 at Robertsbridge Youth Centre at 7.30pm.
The press and public are welcome to attend and up to 15 minutes will be allowed at the start of the meeting for public comments and questions. The agenda for the meeting will be available on the 'Council Meetings' page three days prior. Click here to see the notice.
The Met Office has issued an amber weather warning for most of Sussex for very strong and damaging winds from 6am to 8pm this Thursday. Winds should start to ease in the afternoon.
As a precaution you may want to tie things down in your gardens. If we do get high winds we advise residents to stay at home until winds die down and check on your neighbours. If we lose phone signals and/or the Internet we will try to post any updates on the Parish noticeboard at the Station Road car park for residents to check when safe to do so.
This page initially shows the ten most recent news articles in brief. You can use an article's link to view the full story.
To find a particular news item just type the words of interest into the search box or select the month and/or year and click the Search button.