Broadbridge Heath vicar praises ‘brilliant’ parishioners for flood response

Reverend Paddy Beresford, vicar of St John’s Church, woke up this morning (Friday January 17) to find the garden of the vicarage opposite the church swamped with around a foot of water, and water lapping through the front door.

After heavy rain last night a drain behind St John’s House in Church Road had overflowed, spilling out diluted sewage.

Four volunteers put sand into bags, and helped out with basic cleaning and tasks as he spent the morning on the phone.

Rev Beresford said: “They are a brilliant church, just setting to it.

“The congregation have been bringing food, trying to help out with the pumping. A big thank you to the congregation of St John’s.”

“The whole of the front garden was covered this morning, and we did not get much rain last night in comparison to Christmas Eve.”

After suffering flooding during the Christmas period, he woke up to a text from his neighbour, saying ‘our garden is flooded, what’s yours like?’

He estimated that water on the front lawn was around a foot deep at its peak this morning, and at one point he could not even see the grass.

West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service had also visited the property in the morning, and Southern Water had tested the water and said it was at a safe level.

Properties in Billingshurst Road were also affected with rows of sandbags outside several homes as water streamed out of several drains.

Rev Beresford added: “The Five Oaks pumping station is under par and they need to do something about it.”

Southern Water have been approached for comment.

Were you affected by flooding today or have any pictures to share? Email [email protected] or call 01403 751200.