Victoria Atkins MP hosts coastal flood forum

Victoria Atkins MP held her second Flood Forum on Friday (February 27), at the Grange & Links Hotel in Sandilands, to address issues around coastal flood mitigation.
Victoria Atkins MP speaking at the coastal flood forum.Victoria Atkins MP speaking at the coastal flood forum.
Victoria Atkins MP speaking at the coastal flood forum.

Local residents were able to question the relevant organisations about the safety and security of their homes.

Ms Atkins: “Following the successful event last year and the continuing interest in this subject, I intend to give my constituents the opportunity every year to satisfy themselves as to progress.”

Over 50 residents heard from the Environment Agency, Lincolnshire County Council, East Lindsey District Council, Lindsey Marsh Drainage Board and the Head of Emergency Planning.

The Environment Agency made a presentation on the coastal challenges and confirmed the Government’s further investment of £39 million over the next few years, on top of the £40 million spent up to 2015.

Questioners asked about planning opportunities in the exclusion zone, the strength of flood protection measures and, in North Somercotes, what special arrangements were in place for that Parish.

Ms Atkins continued: “This is a rolling programme of information and reassurance for my constituents, and I am very pleased that all concerned went away happier about the provisions in place and plans for the future. As always - better safe than sorry!”

In the House of Commons on Monday (February 27), Ms Atkins told fellow MPs about the flood forum during a debate on Future Flood Prevention.

Ms Atkins thanked the Government for holding the debate and said that it follows on from the ‘monumental event’ of her second flood forum in Sandilands.

She said: “The reason I hold flood forums in my constituency is that it provides a chance to bring experts together so that local residents can raise issues with them and so that together we can find solutions.

“Flooding is a real risk in my constituency, both along the magnificent Lincolnshire coastline and further inland in the beautiful Lincolnshire wolds.

“Sadly, that threat was demonstrated only too keenly on Friday January 13, when a state of civil emergency was declared along the Lincolnshire coastline, weather forecasts having suggested that a tidal surge could overtop the already substantial sea defences and put many tens of thousands of lives at risk.”

Ms Atkins went on to thank the emergency services and volunteer groups such as LIVES for their ‘incredible response’ during the potentially dangerous incident.