Heartbreak for Wainfleet couple flooded for second time in aftermath of Storm Babet

Jean and Kevin Hart spent over a year living in a caravan in their garden while their home was renovated after it flooded when the banks of the River Steeping breached.

Occupants of around 100 homes were flooded on that June day – the same number who were advised to evacuate over the weekend in the aftermath of Storm Babet when the river over-topped.

However, on Sunday – as the emergency services that were brought in fearing the river may breach again were stood down – the Harts awoke to find water gushing into their hall.

"We just thought ‘here we go again’,” said Jean. “I’ve never called 999 but I did that say.

"We just knuckled down with the help of Wainfleet fire brigade and carried on working to save the rest of the house.

"The dykes were full of water and our field was like a lake – we don’t know where it came from but we know where it landed.

"We are very disappointed in the powers that be (the Environment Agency) that they have allowed this to happen again.

"We shouldn’t have to be afraid when it rains, which most people in Wainfleet now are.

"We haven’t had much sleep but we’ve managed to get the carpets out and dry the hall out and are just waiting for the insurance company now."

Steve Pentell, of the Wainfleet Flood Action Group (Flag) said residents were not happy to be evacuated again and see emergency vehicles on standby.

Once again the Coronation Hall was set up as a refge for people wanting to keep warm and have a cup of tea.

"Residents have asked me why we only had a few meetings now but I had hoped they would be able to forget what happened in 2019,” he said.

"People are not happy we came so close to flooding again.

“They are worried, especially the newer people who have bought properties and didn’t experience 2019 when it was nearly waist deep.

"We didn’t expect to get hit this time after 24 hours of rain - there is something obviously wrong with the river system.

"We plan to have a meeting on Saturday to plan the way forward.

"We got some results in 2019 and got the dredging done, bit it’s not finished – that is the problem.

"More dredging work needs doing and the outflow to the sea beeds looking at too.”

Lincolnshire County Councillor Wendy Bowkett, who was on the emergency committee over the weekend, praised the emergency services and the community for hor they responded to the threat on Saturday

She commented: “We had our last meeting on Sunday morning as the river levels continued to fall and the emergency services were stood down.

"I can’t believe I am saying this but we are still here.

"We had 11 fire crews from all over the region ready if the river breached. The community came together again and everyone has been so amazing.”

Lincolnshire World have asked the Environment Agency if they are doing enough for the people of Wainfleet and are still awaiting a response.

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