A285 Water Leak

Residents may be aware of the ongoing roadside water leak at the north end of the village near to the Catholic Church.

The leak has been reported to Southern Water on a number of occasions under several reference numbers. Despite the water continuing to flow, previous reports have subsequently been shown as repaired or closed, which has understandably caused some confusion and concern.

West Sussex Highways has also been contacted and has advised that it believes the water is originating from a Southern Water asset on the footpath. Their expectation is that the water further down the hill should stop once the source of the leak has been properly repaired.

Previous reports

The leak has been reported under the following references, either by myself or members of the community:

• WCS5349985 – reported 3 August 2026 – subsequently removed from the Southern Water website.
• WCS5349647 – last updated 4 August 2026 – subsequently shown as completed/repaired.
• WCS5354529 – reported 11 August 2026 – I received a text advising that an inspector had identified this as not a Southern Water asset. Despite this, the report was subsequently shown online as completed/repaired, last updated 20 August 2026.
• WCS5356421 – last updated 24 August 2026 – subsequently shown as completed/repaired.

Southern Water has also previously attended the location and left signage confirming that they were aware of the leak and that it was being repaired. However, the leak remains unresolved, more than 30 days after it was first reported.

As the issue remains unresolved and we have a lack of clarity over why these reports are being closed, I have now raised a formal complaint with Southern Water. I have asked them to

• Confirm the current outstanding reference number and expected repair date.
• Explain why previous reports were closed as repaired when the leak remains.
• Confirm what action is now being taken to permanently repair the leak.

I have also made clear that I do not want this simply treated as another new leak report. I have asked Southern Water to review the history of the previous reports and provide a written response. There has been some conflicting information received regarding the status of the repair, so I will continue to follow this up until we have confirmation that the work has been completed.

Once the repair has taken place, I will also keep an eye on the lower drain to make sure the water there resolves as expected and that there isn’t a separate drainage issue requiring attention.

I appreciate residents continuing to flag this and report changes.

Further updates will be provided as soon as we receive a response from Southern Water.