Mid Sussex flooding: what happened in Burgess Hill, Cuckfield, Hassocks, Haywards Heath and other parts of the district

West Sussex County Council advised people to travel only if ‘absolutely necessary’.

The flood service at gov.uk also issued a flood warning for Lindfield Bridge, saying that the River Ouse is ‘high and rising’ with half a month’s rain (50mm) recorded in Ardingly during the past 48 hours.

The warning said: “Flooding will affect fields, rural roads, gardens and affect properties at Bridge Cottage and Dean’s Water Mill at Lindfield Bridge on the B2028 near Lindfield.”

It said: “The river should begin to fall by 16:00 17/11/2022 but will be higher than normal until Friday morning. River levels could end up similar to those seen in March 2020. Riverside properties at Dean's Water Mill and Lindfield Bridge are encouraged to install flood protection products if you have them and take steps to reduce the impact of flooding. We are operating our structures at Pimms Lock to help keep the river flowing freely and reduce flood risk.”

The AA reported flooding on College Road at High Beech Lane/Copyhold Lane in Ardingly, with reports of one stranded driver. AA Traffic News also reported ‘very slow traffic’ on the A272 Lewes Road both ways between B2111 Bedales Hill (Bedales Corner) and Church Road. The AA maps now show that the roads are clear.

Mid Sussex residents also posted Facebook messages about ‘severe flooding’ On Thursday morning. They reported incidents at : Keymer Road, Hassocks; Leylands Road, Burgess Hill; Rocky Lane, Haywards Heath, in the dip off of the roundabout; Kings Way, Burgess Hill, near the new estate; Cants Lane, Burgess Hill, into St Andrews Road; St John’s Road, Burgess Hill; the bottom off Maple Drive in Burgess Hill; Junction Road, Burgess Hill, at the railway crossing; the Cuckfield bypass; Hanlye Lane and near The Dolphin in Haywards Heath; Lewes Road by Walstead junction, Burgess Hill; and at Vale Road in Haywards Heath near the Ashenground Community Centre.

Reflex @42 owner Hayley Elphick said her Hassocks business was flooded on Wednesday night (November 16) but thanked Daniella and Emily from her team for protecting it. She said they directed traffic, found sandbags and cleared the salon.

Hayley said: “They are the reason there is minimal damage tonight. They are my heroes and I owe them so much.”

She also thanked LibDem councillor Kirsty Lord (Hassocks and Burgess Hill South) who she said always does everything she can to help during floods in Hassocks, and she thanked nearby residents who grabbed brooms to clear the water.

“We are not the only ones this happened to tonight, so please try and help all those that flooded,” said Hayley. “Hassocks is an amazing community and I am forever lucky to have a business here, in the heart of it,” she added.

This story will be updated as more information comes in. For more breaking news stories visit www.sussexworld.co.uk. Send an email to [email protected] to tell us about flooding in your area or to send photos.