Horncastle flooding: Second reservoir considered

Horncastle saw significant flooding as a result of Storm Babet

The Environment Agency (EA) says it is looking at further flood protection measures for Horncastle.

During Storm Babet in October 2023, almost 200 properties were flooded, with the EA criticised for delays in closing a sluice gate.

A report said flooding was caused by "heavy rainfall downstream" after the River Bain was hit by up to two months' rain in one day.

Proposals include constructing a second reservoir on the River Waring.

Following the publication of the report, some residents accused the agency of having "marked its own homework".

Concerns had also been raised about the length of time it had taken for the agency to respond to calls from local landowners and farmers about the rising water levels.

The Environment Agency report describes Storm Babet as an "extreme flood"

At a public meeting last week, operations manager Peter Reilly said: "Storm Babet was bigger than the design standard of the scheme. This was very, very much bigger than that."

The Environment Agency has admitted there was a two-and-a-half hour delay in closing the floodgate - but said that did not cause 197 properties to flood.

The flood reservoir also did not offer protection from watercourses coming into the town downstream of the scheme, Mr Reilly added.

Environment Agency officials said they were looking at the possibility of further flood protection schemes to mitigate this.

"Over the coming months we will be revisiting and reassessing the viability of previous plans to create a reservoir on the River Waring," a spokesperson said.

"We are also exploring whether minor bank works might be needed in the town to fill in localised low spots.

"We will work with Horncastle Town Council and landowners as we explore options to reduce the risk of flooding, though it is important to note the risk can never be eliminated entirely," they added.

The EA said any future projects would also need "significant funding contributions", similar to the town's existing scheme, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.