Improved flood defences for Lincolnshire

The Environment Agency has begun annual works to reduce the risk of flooding for coastal communities in Lincolnshire.

Across six to seven weeks, around 400,000 cubic metres of sand will be topped up on beaches between Saltfleet and Gibraltar Point and therefore reduce the risk of flooding for 20,000 homes and businesses, 24,500 static caravans and 35,000 hectares of land.

Sand is dredged from licensed areas of the seabed, which is then pumped onto the beach to replace levels naturally lost to the sea throughout the year. The sand takes the brunt of the waves' force and energy and reduces the damage and erosion to hard sea defences.

Deborah Campbell, flood risk manager at the Environment Agency, said: "As well as reducing the risk of flooding to 20,000 homes and businesses, 24,500 static caravans and 35,000 hectares of land. The work helps maintain the county’s sandy beaches for us all to enjoy.

"But despite our best efforts, flooding can still happen. That’s why we urge people to prepare and plan for the worst, including by signing up to receive free flood warnings."

Image by Engin Akyurt from Pixabay