A council has hit back at claims that flooding in a road is due to poor drainage systems.

East Sussex County Council issued a statement after people living in Denton Road in Newhaven complained about it flooding.

The road remains closed after the latest problem. Liberal Democrat councillor Sean MacLeod said the water is about two feet deep.

A council spokeswoman said: “The highway steward has confirmed there is no issue with the highway drainage system on Denton Road – as a result of the recent heavy rainfall the ground water levels at this location are so high water is flowing out on to the highway from adjacent land causing flooding to the road and has overwhelmed the area’s drainage network.”

Cllr MacLeod told The Argus that homeowners in Denton Road are left battling the cost of flood damage to their properties.

“This road floods every year,” he said. “But this is the worst I have seen it.

“People used to go down the road in canoes when it flooded.”

He said a natural spring runs through the village and means the road has flooded at least once a year in the nine years he has lived nearby.

“I would not be surprised if canoes could use this road again, it’s deep enough," he said.

The Argus: The road floods every yearThe road floods every year (Image: Sean MacLeod)

The council spokeswoman said: “Our highways team is working with the Environment Agency, Lewes District Council and other partners to try and reduce the water levels as quickly as possible.

“The road remains closed to ensure the safety of road users and a diversion is in place. We will continue to monitor the situation and will reopen the road as soon as it is safe to do so.”