A SHOP owner in Holbeach, who claims his brickwork has been ruined by spray from a lake that forms in front of his business in heavy rain, is celebrating the start of work to solve the problem after waiting 20 years.
Drainage work, which began in Fleet Street yesterday, is due to complete this month.
It follows a successful bid by Lincolnshire County Council to the Environment Agency’s Flood Defence Grant In Aid Scheme, which is contributing 95 per cent of the £75,000 cost of the work in Holbeach.
A call for action followed heavy rain in 2007 that resulted in a river of water streaming by shops in Fleet Street.
Chris Feeney, of Holbeach Heating, said: “I’ve been complaining about it for 20 years, so I’m really glad it’s finally going to be resolved. When we have flash storms, a lake forms in front of the shop. Over the years the spray from passing vehicles has ruined my brickwork.”
The scheme involves putting a new drainage pipe under the road and six manholes that will discharge excess water into the existing drainage system in Damgate.
More than £500,000 is being spent on eight countywide schemes to reduce flood risk. The bid was submitted by the county council in its role as Lead Local Flood Authority, working in partnership with Internal Drainage Boards, district councils, Anglian Water and the Environment Agency.
Executive member for economic development Coun Eddy Poll said: “We’re delighted to have received this additional funding from the Environment Agency. These areas all have a history of flooding and we only have to think back to 2007 to remember the devastating impact that it can have on people’s lives.”
Coun Roger Gambba-Jones, South Holland District Council executive member for operational planning, said: “I am extremely pleased to see that residents and businesses in Holbeach are going to, at last, get relief from the regular flooding problems they have suffered over the years.”
Drivers are warned to leave extra time for travel through Holbeach during the work.