Fenland residents at risk of flooding included in Environment Agency phone warning system

EVERYONE who lives in areas of Fenland identified as being at risk of flooding is being included in a new telephone warning system introduced by the Environment Agency. But emergency planners are stressing that people receiving letters informing them abou

EVERYONE who lives in areas of Fenland identified as being at risk of flooding is being included in a new telephone warning system introduced by the Environment Agency.

But emergency planners are stressing that people receiving letters informing them about the system should not be alarmed because Fenland is already covered by very effective flood defences.

Letters and explanatory booklets are being sent this month by the Environment Agency to all homes and businesses in the affected areas that have a landline phone. The letters say that those homes will be automatically signed up to the automated Flood Warning Direct (FWD) system that will deliver flood warnings. Anyone who does not want to receive the warnings will have to opt out.

Cllr Kit Owen, Fenland District Council's portfolio holder with responsibility for Shaping Fenland's Future, said: "Nobody who gets one of these letters should be unduly concerned. Their homes have been identified as being within 'at risk' zones according to the Environment Agency's flood risk maps. However, these maps simply show the zones which could theoretically be affected - they do not take account of the unique flood defences in Fenland, which are extremely good."

Over the past six months Fenland District Council's emergency planning team has been working closely with the Environment Agency to promote flood awareness, particularly in parts of Wisbech and Whittlesey, and publicise the steps that homeowners can take to minimise the effects of any flooding.

Anyone who has any concerns or questions about the new FWD service should call Floodline on 0845 988 1188.