 |
| You
are in: Lincolnshire » A Sense Of Place »
Places |
|
|
Flood
defence - then and now
|
Early
times
|
Flood
defence goes back a long way. Nearly 2000 years ago, the Romans
carried out major river and coastal defence works. |
|
17th
Century
|
Early
defences were built for the benefits of individuals, large landowners
or investment groups - the "adventurers" of 17th century
fen drainage |
|
18th
Century
|
Many
towns and agricultural lands defended. Funding for defences
were levied on those who benefitted ie. landowners, the church.
It was a bit disorganised though and floods were often caused
by neglect of maintenance of defences. |
|
1861
|
The
first in a series of Land Drainage Acts was passed. Although
the Act established Land Drainage Boards, it failed to rationalise
systems, leaving authority with Sewer Commissioners. There were
close to 300 by the turn of the century. |
|
1907
|
The
Royal Commission on Coastal Erosion called for a more modern
system of coastal defence. In its final report in 1911, the
Commission agreed the administrative system was in chaos and
called for a central authority. No action was taken though and
sea defences continued to be organised on piecemeal and arbitrary
lines. |
|
1920
|
The
Land Drainage Board Act of 1920 created local land drainage
boards. |
|
1930
|
Land
Drainage Act of 1930 - resulting largely from the devastating
floods of January 1928 - recognised the wider benefits of flood
defence to the community and the nation. It aimed to improve
the financial net and make central funds available. The Act
also recognised the importance of monitoring actions of the
various authorities and created Catchment Boards with a general
duty to oversee all flood defence matters. The intentions were
good but in reality little was done for the coast. Chaos reigned
and dual responsibility with Land Drainage Boards meant little
was achieved. |
|
1996
|
The
Environment Agency was formed taking on all NRA responsibilities
including flood defence, within a wider environmental remit
to protect air, land and water. Their work would include: assessing
flood risk, advising planning authorities and developers in
order to avoid development pressure in flood risk, investment
in flood defence, flood warning and public awareness. |
|
2000
|
The
government commissions a review of flood and coastal defence
funding mechanisms as an outcome of Spending Review 2000. SR2000
identified a possible need for more funds to maintain current
levels of protection and meet the needs of eg. climate change.
The Review also addresses the need for any changes to institutional
arrangements. |
|
|
|
 |
 |
Check out
the latest releases and where you can see them
|
 |
 |
Get talking
on the message board about what matters to you!
|
 |
 |
Wallpapers,
webcams, and much more to keep you amused
|
|
BBC Lincolnshire
Radion Buildings
PO Box 219
Newport
Lincoln
LN1 3XY
Telephone: 01522 511411
E-mail: lincolnshire@bbc.co.uk
|
|
