An innovative way to solve flooding in towns has been introduced to Littlehampton.
Volunteers from the town have transformed two bare grass verges into an attractive rain garden.
The new feature, opposite the Arun Civic Centre in Maltravers Road, has been installed to soak up surface water during heavy rainfall.
Maltravers Road has suffered with large puddles spreading across the road and collecting outside the Civic Centre, near Beach Road roundabout.
Rain gardens slow the flow of water, helping the drainage and reducing the risk of flooding.
Key facts:
• Consists of ferns, English Ivy, Dogweed, Snowball Trees and other small flowering plants;
• Layers of gravel installed as a base;
• A layer of easier to drain soil sits on top;
• Captures rainwater runoff from buildings, pavements and the road;
• Water is temporarily stored, cleaned and slowly released back into the drainage system;
• Cost £15,700 (including construction).
Littlehampton Civic Society Secretary Angela Tester said: “We thought this rain garden was a great idea.
“Rain gardens can collect the rain from the roofs and the many down pipes that feed into the pavements.
“So many people concrete over their front gardens these days, it causes problems with surface water.
“Littlehampton also has a Victorian drainage system underground which makes life difficult.
“This rain garden will act as holding pond for water in Maltravers Road.”
The garden was planted on July 7.
Volunteers from Littlehampton Civic Centre, the Arc Project and West Downs Neighbourhood Force joined pupils at Littlehampton Academy and West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service to plant on the day.
Firefighters tested it afterwards by mimicking rainfall when watering the plants.
The rain garden will be maintained by volunteers from Littlehampton Civic Society and watered by the Littlehampton Town Council’s parks department.
Angela added: “Rain gardens reduce the risk of flooding, are low maintenance, and they create a bit of flower and colour as well.
“We hope they will be a bit of a wildlife haven for insects, bugs and birds.”
With the prototype rain garden in Littlehampton working successfully, there is a drive to grow their number in other places across West Sussex.
Rain gardens come in many shapes and sizes.They can be planted easily in front or back gardens and help reduce the threat of flooding to properties.
West Sussex County Council, together with Littlehampton Civic Society and The Arc Project, backed the scheme.
It is the first community rain garden to be built on a County Council roadside verge.
Anyone interested in creating a similar rain garden for their community are welcome to apply to the County Council’s Operation Watershed Fund for help.
County Council Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, John O’Brien, said: “Community rain gardens have two key benefits – they look great and they help reduce flooding.
“We think they are a great idea.“Anyone who would like one for their community can come and talk to us because funding is available.”
More information about Operation Watershed’s Active Community Fund is available here.