Town leaders discuss Hastings flooding: 'I heard how a wave of water swept through Priory Meadow'

By Richard Gladstone
Published 25th Jan 2023, 10:39 BST
Updated 25th Jan 2023, 10:39 BST
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Town leaders met yesterday (Tuesday, January 24) to discuss the aftermath of last week’s major flooding.

Council leader Paul Barnett met with town centre managers and heard how a ‘wave of water swept through’ Priory Meadow Shopping Centre.

On his council leader Facebook page, he said: “We discussed how to improve communications, and agreed the need for close joint working to stop this happening again.

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“I heard how a wave of water swept through Priory Meadow, filling lift shafts with eight feet of flood water, how town centre basements were filled with sewage, how the fire service were magnificent, and how many questions need answering.

Flooding in Hastings town centre on January 16 2023.Flooding in Hastings town centre on January 16 2023.
Flooding in Hastings town centre on January 16 2023.

“Most of Priory Meadow and many town centre independents are open again, even with much still to sort out after losing stock and takings. For some it may not end well. But the complex issues of compensation and insurance will take time to work through.”

A number of shops in Priory Meadow remain closed following last week’s flooding in the town centre.

Affected businesses are still undertaking a clean-up operation after flooding affected the area early in the morning last Monday (January 16).