Further reaction on report into flooding in Horncastle
It concluded flooding wasn't down to failures in defences
Last updated 29th Feb 2024
Businesses in Horncastle have told us they fear nothing will be done to stop flooding in the future,
It's after the Environment Agency concluded it was extreme weather and NOT failures in flood defences in the area that led to almost 200 properties being affected by Storm Babet last October
These businesses - which all experienced flooding - tell us what actions they'd like to see going forward.
They've spent million of pounds on flood defences that don't work
One told us: "I think I'd like to know why they've just spent million of pounds on flood defences that clearly doesn't work, if they're claiming it will never work if there's that amount of rain."
Another said: "There are problems that have to be solved otherwise the town will be blighted by flooding every time."
A third said: " It's like we just need someone to hold responsibility - to say - this really did happen like this."
"It seems it's been a long time of heel dragging to come to this conclusion."
Others told us: "Where the floods happened it was utter and complete devastation."
It took months to dry out
"It was the worst I've ever seen it - the river came up so fast."
"It was very damp - everywhere."
"It took months to dry out - some of the walls you can see are still damp now."
"It definitely had a big effect."
Even with all the funding that's available there isn't an answer
We also spoke to Lincolnshire's Area Director for the Environment Agency - Leigh Edlin
"The likelihood of us being able to develop a scheme that would protect Horncastle from an event the magnitude of Storm Babet is very unlikely."
"It was an extreme event."
"I think it's really important for people to know we cannot eradicate flooding."
"Even with all the funding that's available there isn't an answer - all we can do is continue to reduce flood risk."