Home / Disasters and Accidents / Lowestoft Flood Defenses: Dry Run Ahead of Winter
Lowestoft Flood Defenses: Dry Run Ahead of Winter
17 Sep
Summary
- Temporary tidal barriers will be tested in Lowestoft this Thursday.
- The trial aims to ready local teams for potential North Sea tidal surges.
- A £199m permanent barrier scheme was cancelled due to funding shortfalls.
Temporary tidal barriers are scheduled for a test run in the flood-prone town of Lowestoft, Suffolk, this Thursday. The exercise, taking place between 19:00 BST and 22:00 BST, is designed to ensure local authority teams are prepared to respond to a real flood event.
Councillor Mark Packard emphasized the importance of simulating emergency responses to ensure both the defenses and deployment teams are ready for a North Sea tidal surge. This practice is crucial, especially given Lowestoft's history of severe flooding, such as the devastating surge in 2013 that submerged businesses like Alpine Fabrication and Doe Metal Recycling.
Following the 2013 floods, a substantial £199m scheme for a permanent barrier was proposed to protect over 1,500 homes and 800 businesses. However, this ambitious project was axed in January 2024 because of escalating costs and a funding shortfall exceeding £124m, leaving the second phase unfunded.
Campaigners continue to advocate for a permanent tidal barrier, warning of severe economic consequences for the town without one. The local council states it is collaborating with the Environment Agency and other partners to investigate further protective measures for Lowestoft.
