How residents can protect themselves from flooding in Market Rasen

A plea from a senior Lincolnshire councillor to sign up to Floodline alerts as we enter the winter period has been endorsed by the Market Rasen Action Group.

Coun Colin Davie was speaking in the wake of Hurricane Milton on Thursday, after the storm smashed through coastal communities in Florida where it tore homes into pieces.

Sandbags were filled for residents to protect homes during Storm Babet.

placeholder image — Sandbags were filled for residents to protect homes during Storm Babet.

“The devastion is a stark reminder of the power of nature,” Coun Davie, Executive Councillor for Economy and Place at Lincolnshire County Council. said. “The only reason more did not die is Florida has a plan – that is what all of our communities need, not just the ones on the coast.”

As reported, in 2023 Storm Babet saw excessive rain cause flooding on a number of roads in the Market Rasen area, making some impassable.

Rasen area residents are being urged to be prepared in the event of a repeat on the flooding of 2023.

It was estimated around 20 homes experienced water entering their properties, but the number with water in their gardens and out houses – registered as near misses – more than doubles that number.

District and county councillor for Rasen Stephen Bunney headed up the community response to the situation, which saw the new ‘emergency plan’ put into action for the first time.

Market Rasen Action Group (MRAG) chairman Julie Lambie remembers it well. "We had a plan in place with volunteers gathering at the Festival Hall, where they filled sand bags that had been donated and distributed them and other equipment.

“The volunteers came from all of the three participating communities, Market Rasen, Middle Rasen and North Willingham – it was a real community response.

"But that was too late because 20 homes flooded – I remember wading through homes that were knee high with water.

"There needs to be a plan and people should sign up to Floodline and be ready because you never know when it can happen.”

Earlier this month, MRAG issued a warning after the Environment Agency (EA) issued flood alerts for the River Rase and River Ancholme areas.

"There are things residents can do to protect themselves, like clearing leaves from the drains,” added Julie.

Coun Bunney added: “Most of our problems are due to surface water caused by rain which is why we are also recommending people should sign up to weather warnings.”

A spokesperson for the EA said: “To reduce flood risk since Storm Babet in Market Rasen our officers continue to carry out annual maintenance work including grass cutting and weed cutting. We are also in conversation with the local community about the ownership of land near the river.

“It’s important, especially as this week marks Flood Action Week, that members of the public make sure they are signed up for flood warnings by visiting gov.uk.”

Sign up for Floodline flood warnings at https://www.gov.uk. Should Market Rasen flood, and your property is at risk, please contact West Lindsey District Council and Market Rasen Town Council and in the case of an emergency ring 999