Brighton & Hove City Council will begin an intensive programme of drain clearance next week as part of seasonal preparations for autumn and winter weather.
Contractors are scheduled to start work during the week of 14 September 2026, targeting almost 600 drains and gullies located on 237 roads identified as high-risk areas for flooding. The initiative involves cleaning, high-pressure jetting, and inspections to identify any structural defects or significant blockages that could impede water flow during heavy rainfall.
This specific project serves as an additional measure on top of the council’s regular maintenance schedule. Official figures indicate that more than 46,000 residents in the city live in areas susceptible to surface water flooding, making the clearance of these priority routes a key part of the local infrastructure strategy.
The council has also confirmed a separate “storm response” protocol. This cleaning programme will be activated specifically when the Met Office issues weather warnings or when named storms are forecast, allowing teams to clear debris from critical locations immediately before a weather event.
Practical challenges, such as drains blocked by parked cars, have been factored into the plan. According to Brighton & Hove City Council, any gullies that cannot be accessed during the initial pass will be assessed and revisited at a later date to ensure the network is fully operational.
Flood Risk Strategy Consultation
The targeted clearance work coincides with the final weeks of a public consultation on the city’s Local Flood Risk Management Strategy. This strategy outlines how the local authority and its partners intend to manage the risks of flooding from surface water, groundwater, and ordinary watercourses over the coming years.
Residents and business owners have until 27 September 2026 to submit their feedback on the proposals. The feedback will be used to shape the city’s long-term approach to climate resilience and infrastructure protection. While this current maintenance push focuses on the immediate winter season, the strategy aims to provide a framework for permanent flood prevention measures across the region.