Flood-hit Eastbourne attraction hopes to re-open in March

The Eastbourne Miniature Steam Railway (EMSR) has been affected by flooding on ‘several occasions’ as a single broken pump was used to protect the park.

The family-run miniature railway is based at Eastbourne Park, on the town’s flood plain.

The attraction is dependent on a single pump, operated by the Environment Agency on the Lottbridge Sewer, for its flood prevention.

But the vital pump but has been out of action for almost a year without any sign of repair, according to councillor Robert Smart.

As a result the railway has been flooded on numerous occasions, affecting its operation.

Cllr Smart said Pevensey & Cuckmere Water Levels Management Ltd, where he is a director, has arranged for a back-up pump.

Councillor Smart said, “An additional temporary pump has been delivered from its base in Norfolk by the Water Levels Management, who have also offered assistance in repairing or replacing the out-of-action pump.

“It is quite outrageous that the Environment Agency made no progress in repairing the pump for almost a year. I am relieved that they have now agreed to work with others to resolve the issue although this is disappointingly similar to the de-shingling debacle last year at the mouth of the Cuckmere River.”

Nick Gray, the flood risk manager from the Environment Agency, said, “The Environment Agency’s priority is to protect people and property from flooding.

“We have already provided assistance to the miniature railway both through extra drainage and the temporary use of a pump and we are actively investigating other options locally.

“Whilst we sympathise with the owners of the miniature steam railway, we simply cannot justify the potential further expenditure of up to £50k of public money with so little identified flood risk”.

Mike Wadey, owner of the EMSR, welcomed the news of a back-up pump, “This is a huge step forward from what I was told by the statutory agency, that nothing would be done about Lottbridge Pump.

“Subject to Covid restrictions and flooding, we are hoping to open our summer season on March 27.”