Flood defence projects in Lincolnshire have played a key role in helping the Environment Agency exceed its national target for protecting homes and businesses from flooding.

Almost 62,000 properties across England have been given better flood protection over the past two years – nearly 10,000 more than originally planned – with several completed schemes based in Lincolnshire.

The government says £2.65 billion has been invested in flood defences since 2024, helping to repair ageing infrastructure, strengthen existing barriers and deliver new protection in vulnerable areas.

More than 250 projects have now been completed nationwide, protecting 61,898 properties compared with the original target of 52,000.

5,808 properties have been protected by the Saltfleet to Gibraltar Point Beach Management Scheme – 5,808 properties protected.

placeholder image — 5,808 properties have been protected by the Saltfleet to Gibraltar Point Beach Management Scheme – 5,808 properties protected.

Among the projects highlighted are three in Lincolnshire, including the Saltfleet to Gibraltar Point Beach Management Scheme, which has better protected 5,808 homes and businesses along the county’s coast.

The Lutton Leam Sluice refurbishment has improved flood resilience for 301 properties, while the Fulbeck Pumping Station refurbishment has delivered better protection for a further 200 properties.

The Environment Agency says the new and upgraded defences are already helping communities during periods of wet weather and are expected to prevent billions of pounds in future economic damage.

Lincolnshire schemes highlighted:

Saltfleet to Gibraltar Point Beach Management Scheme – 5,808 properties protected

Lutton Leam Sluice Refurbishment – 301 properties protected

Fulbeck Pumping Station Refurbishment – 200 properties protected

Caroline Douglass, Executive Director for Floods and Coastal Risk Management at the Environment Agency, said flooding has a devastating effect on communities and the risks will only increase as the climate changes.

She said: “Exceeding our target by nearly 10,000 properties reflects the tireless work of our teams and partners across the country to protect the communities they live in.  

“With more than 600 projects being taken forward in the coming year, we will continue working to ensure vulnerable towns and cities get the protection they need." 

Floods Minister Emma Hardy said: "Flooding is life-changing - destroying homes, shutting down businesses and leaving communities facing months of heartbreak.  

“This Government has invested a record £2.65 billion to repair flood defences and build new ones. After we inherited defences left in tatters, our investment is paying off, with almost 62,000 homes and businesses better protected from flooding and a further 840,000 properties on course to benefit by 2036."

With much of Lincolnshire made up of low-lying land and coastal communities, flood defence work remains especially important for residents, farmers and businesses across the county.

A further £1.4 billion has now been committed for the coming year, with more than 600 projects due to be funded across England as part of long-term plans to strengthen protection against future flooding.