FOI request (FOIR-592529897)

Information on the installation of the manhole in South Terrace

Requested Tue 05 March 2024
Responded Tue 26 March 2024

Southern Water has acknowledged, through EIR, that the manhole in South Terrace (Marks and Spencer end) was installed in April 2019 whilst the culverted watercourse (that discharges into the sea at the outfall) was still owned by HBC. Southern Water adopted the culvert in October 2021. Southern Water state that:

'It was installed by Southern Water into the culverted watercourse that was at that time owned by Hastings Borough Council in April 2019. Southern Water subsequently adopted the culverted watercourse in October 2021. Consequently at the time of the flood event in October 2023 Southern Water was responsible for the manhole in question.'

https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/hastings_storm_relief_tunnel_and?fbclid=IwAR0j8w9dCiATju-SJjhxmYsjk-otMo_ROPbrRI1ozZYGpmgaYlfVPmX9UFk#describe_state_form_1

The manhole subsequently 'blew' in the January and October 2023 flood events releasing flood waters into South Terrace and the Priory Meadow shopping centre. Southern Water has now removed the manhole.

Please provide, under EIR, the following:

1. All information (in any format) concerning the installation of the manhole by Southern Water. This should include all correspondence (in any form) with Southern Water, other external bodies and HBC officers.

2. The flood risk assessment carried out prior to the installation of the manhole.

3. All information (in any format) concerning the adoption of the culvert by Southern Water. This should include all correspondence (in any form) with Southern Water, other external bodies and HBC officers.

4. All information (in any format) concerning the removal of the manhole by Southern Water. This should include all correspondence (in any form) with Southern Water, other external bodies and HBC officers.

5. All information (in any format) concerning the manhole during the flood event from January 2023 This should include all correspondence (in any form) with Southern Water, other external bodies and HBC officers.

6. All information (in any format) concerning the manhole during the flood event from October 2023 This should include all correspondence (in any form) with Southern Water, other external bodies and HBC officers.

Response

Hastings Borough Council holds no information in respect of this request.