Investigation Launched Following Horncastle Flooding Amidst Alleviation Scheme Failure
The sudden flooding brought on by Storm Babet, which left numerous Lincolnshire residents homeless, will undergo a thorough investigation by the Environment Agency. Despite an £8m flood alleviation scheme, heavy rainfall caused by the unprecedented storm forced hundreds to abandon their homes.
Horncastle, a town at the heart of the county, experienced more rainfall in 24 hours than it generally sees in an entire month. This resulted in significant damage to 80 homes, raising questions about the effectiveness of the flood alleviation scheme.
"Flooding devastates communities," expressed Cllr Colin Davie, executive member for environment at Lincolnshire County Council.
Back in 2017, two much-needed flood alleviation schemes opened in Louth and Horncastle, designed to better protect the towns from the misery and disruption that flooding had brought previously. Understandably, six years later, residents are asking questions as to why Horncastle faced such extreme flooding again when the sister scheme in Louth appears to have worked as intended."
Initially, signs suggest that a mechanical fault might be to blame. As a consequence of the flooding, residents were left without homes, whilst many others lost their valuables. India Gillender, a Horncastle resident, and her partner Reece were forced to take refuge at Reece's parents' house post the severe flooding.
Reliving her traumatic experience, India stated, "I got back from grocery shopping on Friday afternoon and the water was getting high and running quite fast until the driveway started flooding. Within half an hour, I was stood up to my waist in water."
On the other hand, Cllr Davie made it clear that the county council would lead an independent investigation following the flooding's conclusion.