What is Southern Water doing to address the flooding in Hellingly?

Southern Water has committed £1.2 million to repairs and is working to seal the sewers and manholes to reduce the influx of groundwater and prevent future flooding events.

How often has Hellingly experienced flooding in recent years?

Hellingly has experienced several instances of flooding, most notably in November 2023, 2024, and 2025, with properties being flooded with sewage and rainwater.

What is the current status of the flood situation in Hellingly as of October 6th, 2025?

The situation in Hellingly remains an ongoing concern, with Southern Water's efforts to mitigate the flooding still in progress. The company is currently surveying 70 properties in the village to identify and address the root causes of the problem.

Home / Environment / Hellingly Battles Sewage Floods: Southern Water Commits £1.2M for Repairs

Hellingly Battles Sewage Floods: Southern Water Commits £1.2M for Repairs

6 Oct

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Summary

Hellingly village in East Sussex experiences repeated flooding
Sewage and rainwater overloading the network, damaging homes
Southern Water has committed £1.2 million for repairs and sealing sewers

Residents of Hellingly, an East Sussex village, have been facing a persistent battle against sewage and rainwater floods over the past few years. The situation came to a head in November 2023 when several properties were inundated with sewage following Storm Ciarán. The flooding incidents continued in 2024 and 2025, causing significant damage to homes in the area.

In response to the ongoing crisis, Southern Water, the local water company, has stepped up its efforts to address the issue. The company has already committed £1.2 million to repairs and has been working to seal the sewers and manholes, which have been allowing groundwater to force its way into the pipes and overload the network.

According to project manager Samuel Jenkins, the initial sealing efforts have been successful in reducing the influx of groundwater, but the company now needs to take further action to prevent future flooding events. The comprehensive survey of 70 properties in Hellingly is currently underway, as Southern Water aims to identify and address the root causes of the problem.