Flooding Impact in Horncastle Under Investigation by Lincolnshire County Council
Reaction to the recent flood event in Horncastle has led to Lincolnshire county councillors, including Executive Councillor Colin Davie, pledging for a thorough probe "without fear or favour".
In a Tuesday discussion with the Economy and Environment Committee, Davie disclosed that over 600 separate flood reports are under examination, out of which over 200 distinct flooding events have been approved. Moreover, he predicted that this figure would surge.
“It was a very mega event on Friday. The intensity of rainfall was biblical, but it’s not the first time we’ve had so much rain,” said Councillor Davie.
According to him, this demands a shift in the approach of conducting future business due to the emerging pattern of weather conditions. The mismanagement of the flood mitigation scheme in Horncastle has raised several concerns.
"Quite clearly something went wrong in Horncastle. There needs to be a full review and it needs to be open and it needs to be transparent so the public and businesses can see what went on and how it’s going to be fixed for the future," Davie added.
Investigative Hearings Led by Councillor Tom Ashton
As Chair of the Flood Risk and Water Management Committee, Councillor Tom Ashton is to direct the inquiry. Councillor Ashton insists on an unbiased and thoroughly transparent course of action for the public to witness.
"If there are criticisms to be had of partner organisations, there is to be no fear or favour in doing that,” he said.
Though an immediate solution is sought after, their first assembly is not set until November. Meanwhile, he urged townsfolk to stay vigilant of climatic warnings and keep up-to-date via official websites and media channels.
Resilient Flood Schemes Praised Despite Troubles
Among the concerns raised, councillors like Alison Austin also lifted the successful flood resilience scheme in Kirton, a town that managed to stay completely dry throughout the calamity.
"To all residents and businesses alike affected by the flooding, there is simply nothing more soul-destroying than a home or business being flooded out. The message that I would like to put out from this committee is one of support and sympathy to all our residents who have been affected,” urged Councillor Ian Carrington, extending his gratitude to those working tirelessly to control the situation across Lincolnshire.