Boston residents urged to be prepared for possible major flooding event
AS the coast prepares to mark the 60th anniversary of the devastating 1953 floods, residents are being reminded to make sure they have a plan in place if a similar event was ever to occur.
Although Boston wasn't badly affected, the borough council is urging residents to make sure they are prepared for a possible flood event.
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FLOOD LINE: Flood water level markings down the years on the outside of Boston Stump.
The major flood was caused by a heavy storm which occurred on the night of Saturday, January 31, and the morning of February 1, 1953.
There was flooding in Boston borough, but no severe damage and no loss of life. In fact flood water markings on the Stump show that there was a more severe incident as recently as 1978.
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But in 1953 Boston borough farmers came to the aid of colleagues further north when they accommodated livestock where grazing land was flooded.
Camaraderie among the farming community ensured that those colleagues suffering as a result of the flood need not have extra anxieties around the security of their cattle.
Leader of Boston Borough Council, councillor Peter Bedford, said: "Our coastline is now better protected than ever before, the Boston Barrier will represent a further substantial investment in our local defences and we work closely with our partners to ensure we have plans in place to cope if flooding does happen. But local residents and communities can take simple steps to help reduce the risk and that's what our campaign aims to achieve.
"We're keen to encourage people who are at risk of flooding to Make a Call and Make a Plan. Sign up to the Environment Agency's free warning service, Flood line Warnings Direct, to receive the earliest possible warning if flooding is predicted. Complete a Flood Plan for your household so you know what to do in a flood-related emergency. Some towns and parishes have already created their own flood plans and for those who haven't we'd ask that this is given some serious consideration."
The surge in 1953 raced down the East Coast into the southern North Sea, where it was exaggerated by the shallower waters along the Lincolnshire coast. Flooding reached as far as two miles inland.
Local people and business owners can sign up to Floodline Warnings Direct by calling Floodline on 0845 988 1188 and complete their own personal flood plan for their household using the free template available from www.environment-agency.gov.uk or from the council's reception in Municipal Buildings in West Street, Boston.
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