Flood Defence Repairs Awaited by Fiskerton Residents After Storm Babet's Havoc
Approximately 80 homes are at risk in Fiskerton due to damage caused by Storm Babet to two parts of the River Witham's bank, spanning 50m total. The local residents are tensely waiting for crucial repair work to commence while dealing with potential threats of further flooding.
Flood Threat Lingers Despite Advise to Return Home
After the storm, while some locals opted to evacuate their homes, many chose to stay in the threatened area, taking cues from prior experiences with such events. Officials have now advised residents to return, but they warn that finalising the necessary repairs could take a significant period, putting the community at a long-term risk.
Supt Phil Vickers of Lincolnshire Police, in an interview with BBC Radio Lincolnshire said "In fairness, access [to the damaged river bank in Fiskerton] is very difficult. The fields are water-logged at the moment and getting the heavy equipment in there is not going to be straightforward. I think, to be realistic, it’s going to take weeks, and potentially months, for the damage to be repaired properly."
Village Pulls Together Amid Flood Threats
Fiskerton's residents have displayed a strong sense of community in the face of adversity. On Friday, they came together to fill and distribute sandbags, bolstering their homes against the potential floods. Debbie Nottingham, a volunteer, acclaimed this shared sentiment, though she voiced the prevalent anxiety and uncertainty in the community about the potential flood levels.
Some residents have chosen to stay put despite the clear risks ahead. One woman admitted her worries about the flood had kept her up for nights, but she insisted she wanted to stay in her home.
Robert Benstead, 75, moved to a nearby unoccupied house down the road, demonstrating a sense of cautiousness despite not expecting the water to break the banks. Syril Holding, 54, expressed a stoic attitude towards the situation, remarking, "It is what it is."
Efforts for Safety Continues by Local Authorities
Officials from the Lincolnshire County Council and the Environment Agency are working relentlessly to improve conditions locally and ensure resident safety. A 24-hour surveillance system is reportedly in place to enable quick action if further evacuation is required.