The Labour candidate for Lowestoft is petitioning for the government to fund flood defences in the area.
The construction of Flood defences in Lowestoft were previously halted due to a large gap in the funding.
Last updated 18th Feb 2024
The Labour candidate for Lowestoft says things are only going to get worse if things don't change.
The construction of Flood defences in Lowestoft was previously halted due to a large gap in the funding. Parliamentary candidate Jess Asato is now petitioning for the government to fund the construction.
Over the past 10 years, Conservative MP Peter Aldous has been campaigning and working to "ensure that Lowestoft is properly protected against flooding" which was split into 3 sections.
The first two elements of this have been "successfully completed" however the final phase of constructing the tidal barrage was stopped over funding issues.
Peter Aldous told us that the cost of the project has risen "from approximately £24 million in 2014, to the order of £70 million in 2020 and to approximately £200 million today."
With the increase in cost being contributed to "materials, labour, design changes and inflation."
This week the Labour candidate for Lowestoft Jess Asato has started a petition for the government to fund the construction.
She told us that this barrier would "protect the town for 100 years." And it is vital it is completed as soon as possible as there are " estimates" that a flood will happen every "20 years."
Lowestoft last experienced massive flooding in 2013 "so we're going to have another one in the next 10 years. And we need that protection."
She recounted how back in 2013, people's homes and over 200 businesses were flooded, having lasting effects, including a "GP surgery that never reopened" as well as the loss of "many treasured possessions."
She then went on to say that the impact of this extends further into the regeneration and local economy of Lowestoft as plans can't move forward without the security of knowing the town won't flood again.
"There are a number of brownfield sites and they can't be developed, whether that's for homes or for new businesses because they need that protection - the insurers won't pay out... if they think... these are all going to be flooded in a matter of years."
We spoke to Peter Aldous for his thoughts on the petition, to which he responded...
"The Government backed the scheme in both 2014 and 2020 and are currently reviewing the national flood defence capital programme. Along with East Suffolk Council and the Environment Agency, I am continuing to make what I believe is a compelling case to meet the current shortfall.”
Defra tell us they're investing over 5 billion pounds until 2027 - to protect communities against flooding across the country.