Millions more for flood defences

Heavy rains have again highlighted flooding problems

Nearly £11m is being earmarked to improve flood defences in Lincolnshire.

The Environment Agency has just approved a major new programme of maintenance.

Lincolnshire's Local Flood Defence Committee is planning to invest £10.9m to upgrade and maintain flood defences in the county between 2003 and 2004.

The work will include improvements to defences on the Rivers Witham, Humber and Ancholme.

There will also be extra money for flood mapping which will improve forecasting and warning systems.

About £2m will go towards strengthening defences on the River Witham.

Andrew Osbourne from the Environment Agency said: "The money may sound like a lot but there is a great deal of work to do and next year the amount spent should rise to £13m."