Push to Reopen Boston Pumping Station Grows Amid Flooding Concerns
New data reveals how much flooding could have been prevented in Billingborough
Boston, Flooding, Black Sluice Pumping Station, Environment Agency, Billingborough, Storm Henk
Boston: So, there’s been a lot of chatter about this old pumping station that got shut down. Apparently, if it had been running, it could have pumped out millions of litres of water and helped prevent some serious flooding in Billingborough.
The Black Sluice Internal Drainage Board crunched the numbers and found that the station could have moved a whopping half-a-million cubic metres of water during the recent storms. They’re now urging the government to take another look at the decision to close it.
Last week, heavy rain and snow caused homes in Billingborough and Boston to flood. The IDB believes that if the pumping station had been operational, a lot of that flooding could have been avoided. But the Environment Agency isn’t on the same page.
This station was shut down a few years back because a study claimed it wasn’t really helping anyone. But now, with the weather getting crazier, the IDB is saying that the old models used to make that decision just don’t hold up anymore.
Mr. Withnall from the IDB is pretty frustrated. He pointed out that 40 homes in Boston were flooded, which suggests the old modelling was way off. He’s calling for a review of that modelling because, let’s face it, if they don’t speak up, no one will listen.
He also mentioned that the Environment Agency is really underfunded, which doesn’t help when it comes to maintaining and repairing the infrastructure needed to manage flooding. They’ve been stretched thin, especially after the damage from Storm Henk.
Mr. Withnall believes the flooding in Billingborough is partly due to water backing up from other areas. When the South Forty Foot is full, it can’t drain properly, leading to problems. He’s worried that if repairs don’t happen soon, it could lead to even more issues down the line.
He’s been pushing for better recognition of the agricultural value of the land, too. After all, fields produce food, and they should be protected just like homes. It’s a bit of a mess right now, and he’s hoping for some action soon.