After a number of homes and businesses have been impacted by flooding over recent years, a new scheme is underway to help improve drainage in the East Lindsey village.
New, larger drainage pipes will be installed under Main Street and Church Lane, increasing the system’s capacity.
New drainage gullies will also be installed, as well as non-return valves which stop water coming back up through the system during periods of heavy rain.
The rest of the existing drainage system around this area will also be cleaned out.
Once the new and improved drainage system has been put in, the roads will be resurfaced and new kerbs will be laid.
Cllr Colin Davie, executive councillor for environment at Lincolnshire County Council, said:
“Kirkby on Bain has unfortunately suffered from a number of flooding events, with internal flooding to properties having occurred multiple times.
"Following investigations into these incidents, a full hydraulic modelling report of the area was undertaken, allowing us to develop this project and better protect the community.
“Surface water flooding is, by its very nature, unpredictable, and unfortunately we’ve seen that periods of heavy rain are becoming more common.
"Here in Kirkby, the existing drainage system simply cannot cope with the increased amount of water during these incidents, and this scheme will better prepare the village for the future.
“This scheme represents an investment of around £850,000, and is just one such example of how we’re better protecting our communities from flooding.”
Cllr Mrs Patricia Bradwell, county councillor for Kirkby on Bain, added:
“People in Kirkby on Bain know all too well the devastating impacts that flooding can have on homes and livelihoods.
"I’m pleased to see work starting on this drainage improvement scheme, that will help prevent future surface water flooding incidents in the village.
“To keep disruption to a minimum whilst we carry out these vital improvements, the work will take place in phases, with one section of road closed at a time.
“Once the works are completed, they will go some way to removing the fear that residents live with every time it rains heavily.
"The next step will be for the Environment Agency to heighten the riverbanks in the area, and we await information from them about their timeline for these works.”
Sections of Church Lane, Main Street, Roughton Lane and Kirkby Lane in Kirkby on Bain will be closed in phases between September 2024 and February 2025.
Work will pause between 20 December 2024 and 6 January 2025 to allow full access during the Christmas period.
This project is being funded by a portion of the £20m capital funding allocated to the county council as part of the Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority devolution deal.
For further information about flooding and drainage work in the county, please visit www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/flood-risk-management.
