The recent disclosure of a substantial building development and Marina plan might be more convincing if Rye had already been provided with a Bypass to alleviate the already desperate situation that prevails in South Undercliff where heavy traffic vibrations are undermining the very foundations of the citadel, and a proper flood prevention plan that caters for water coming down the rivers as well as the danger of tidal water from the sea. Promises of an extra 400 jobs (how many of these would go to local people one wonders) and ‘affordable housing’ would not be worth a dime if 400 homes became flooded and half of Watchbell Street collapsed onto South Undercliff. Plans to impound Rock Channel with lock gates preventing tidal flow in the Strand is a recipe for disaster.
To reduce the risk of all Tilling Green being flooded by water coming down the Tillingham The Strand should be regularly dredged and keep its tidal status. To prevent a calamity in South Undercliff and more landslips on the very rock that Rye is perched upon heavy traffic must be directed away. More development before these two criteria are attained would be like building houses without digging foundations.
“Rye’s Own” December 2003
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