Uncertainty in village as homes evacuated due to potential flood
Residents in a Lincolnshire village of just over 1,000 people are in a state of uncertainty after many were told to evacuate due to a flood risk. Police officers knocked on the doors of 70 homes in Fiskerton[1] overnight, advising occupants to evacuate amid concerns about the nearby River Witham breaching its banks.
Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue Service[2] said river levels on the Witham are not expected to rise but the possibility of a breach means activities are being monitored. The Environment Agency has confirmed the damage is to around a 30m length of the River Witham’s bank.
The bank is still holding the river water in and staff will continue to monitor the situation through the night. Engineers are assessing the integrity of the bank and will have further intel on the state of the bank and the potential for temporary repairs on Thursday, October 26.
Get the latest Lincolnshire Live news with our email newsletters[3]
An information centre has been set up at Fiskerton Village Hall for help or support in finding accommodation. One resident, Sam Hedger, lives in Ferryside Gardens which is one of the affected areas in the village.
He received a knock on the door from police at 12.30pm advising him to evacuate, but he has decided to stay put and monitor the situation himself. The 33-year-old said: “I was worried at first because I saw all the torches shining and there’s been some break-ins recently. The police told us that the Environment Agency had advised to evacuate.
“We’re keeping an eye on it because we can see the fields and see when it changes. Everyone’s been helpful and I got a call from the sergeant today. It’s nice that they’ve got everything set up.”
There are concerns that the nearby River Witham will breach its banks and cause flooding in the village (Image: Lincolnshire Live)
Another Fiskerton resident, Anne Dawson, is concerned as she lives near the 70 homes that have been told to evacuate. She said: “I’ve been keeping an eye on the local websites but there’s not a lot you can do as I live in a bungalow. We’ve got fitted wardrobes in all the bedrooms so there’s nothing you can do there.
“I wasn’t concerned until I went round and spoke to my friend. I think the word seems to be getting around now that it’s more serious. You just assume with a blue sky and no rain that there will be no flooding but sadly it doesn’t work like that.”
West Lindsey district councillor Christopher Darcel, a resident of Fiskerton, said the streets most impacted by the possible bank breach are Priory Drive, Meadow Bank Avenue and Ferryside Gardens. He said: “There are elderly people involved who can’t cope. If the river does break its banks it will be most unpleasant.
“There are also a lot of properties in the village that wouldn’t be affected.” Councillor Darcel urged people with any worries to visit the information centre at the village hall.
Steve Eason-Harris, an emergency planner at Lincolnshire County Council (Image: Lincolnshire Live)
Steve Eason-Harris, an emergency planner at Lincolnshire County Council, has been at Fiskerton Village Hall supporting residents who have any concerns. He said: “What we’re doing at the moment is a precautionary evacuation of an area in Fiskerton.
“There is a slippage in the bank along the River Witham which is of concern to us. It is not seeping at the moment, however if it were to breach then it would potentially risk a number of properties.
“We’d rather get people safe now while it’s dry and light rather than wait until it’s dark and put more risk on people we’re trying to safeguard. There are roughly 70 properties at risk but that figure could change.
“The Environment Agency are assessing the situation now. If you are at all unsure or have had a knock on the door by the police then please evacuate. It’s best to be safe than sorry.”
References
- ^ Fiskerton (www.lincolnshirelive.co.uk)
- ^ Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue Service (www.lincolnshirelive.co.uk)
- ^ Get the latest Lincolnshire Live news with our email newsletters (www.lincolnshirelive.co.uk)