Flood sirens' future under review

The results of a study on the future of flood warning sirens in Norfolk will go before councillors next week.

A review on the current role and future of the 60-year-old sirens was carried out after plans to scrap them were put on hold amid concerns from residents.

Norfolk County Council and Environment Agency officials said text, phone and internet warnings render them obsolete.

In November, people in Walcott were angered when sirens were not sounded during a tidal surge.

Members of the Fire and Community Protection Review Panel will hear a number of recommendations from a working group.

'Important issue'

The county's sirens are currently used for evacuation purposes only and not as a means of warning people of potential flooding.

In January 2007 the Norfolk Resilience Forum proposed the withdrawal of the sirens.

The county council agreed to endorse the proposal in principle but Members felt further consultation should take place.

Review panel chairman Steve Dorrington said: "This is an important issue for certain Norfolk communities and Members will want to be sure they have heard as many views as possible before a final decision is made."

Also on the agenda for 20 May is a report outlining Norfolk County Council's response to the North Sea high tide and storm surge last November.