Villages across West Sussex near Chichester are set for extensive works as Southern Water begins a £2.3 million programme to strengthen the sewer network and reduce the need for storm overflows.

The investment targets Barnham, Lidsey and surrounding areas south of Chichester, where teams will seal parts of the system to limit groundwater entering sewers during wet weather.

Excess groundwater infiltration has been a persistent problem, heightening the risk of flooding and storm overflows across this part of West Sussex.

The scheme builds on nearby projects where Southern Water is sealing 16km of sewers in East Dean, Charlton and Singleton, with crews currently working in West Dean.

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As part of the programme, teams will carry out investigations across the catchment to identify any further improvements. This includes checking for incorrect domestic connections into surface water sewers, identifying opportunities for sustainable drainage solutions, and assessing areas of the network that could be optimised or upgraded.

Southern Water says it is working closely with local partners to reduce groundwater infiltration and manage water more effectively across the catchment, recognising that long-term solutions extend beyond the sewer network. The initiative forms part of the company’s wider £1.5bn Clean Rivers and Seas Plan to reduce storm overflows across the region.

Glenn McCubbin, from Southern Water’s Clean Rivers and Seas Task Force, said: "This area has a long history of groundwater-related flooding, which puts real pressure on the sewer network during wet weather and beyond.

"By sealing sewers, investigating connections and working with our partners to manage water more sustainably, we can make a real difference for the community and help reduce the impact of storm overflows and help provide a resilient sewer system fit for the future."