Colourful event at Black Sluice Pumping Station
Visit Ancholme, Visit Welland-Glen
28 July 2010
People are being given an opportunity to explore an important piece of Boston's heritage and discover how it helps to prevent flooding in the town.
The Environment Agency is holding an open day at its Black Sluice Pumping Station which was built in the 1930s to pump water from the South Forty Foot Drain, into the River Haven and out to sea.
Visitors to the pumping station are invited to find out more about its history and how it works. They will also have the chance to speak to members of the Environment Agency's Operations Delivery Team about the work the organisation does to help prevent flooding.
Staff from Flood Incident Management will be on hand to offer advice about how to be prepared if a flood strikes and how to sign up for the Environment Agency's Floodline Warnings Direct service. Visitors will also be able to get information about the proposed Boston Barrier scheme and Haven works.
Louise Bancroft, Operations Delivery Team Leader, said: "Open days have been held at Black Sluice Pumping Station in the past and have always proved very popular.
"The event has something for everyone - those who want to find out more about a piece of the town's history, people with an interest in old diesel engines and anyone who wants to ensure they and their family stay safe in a flood.
"The Environment Agency works extremely hard to protect people against flooding but can not always stop it happening. This event provides a great opportunity for people to find out what we do and what they can do to help themselves."
The control house for Black Sluice Lock - which was re-opened last year after being un-navigable for the past 40 years - will also be open for people to have a look around and find out more about how the lock works and its uses for both flood relief and navigation.
The open day is taking place between 10am and 3pm on Wednesday, 4 August.
More information on the action people can take to protect themselves, their families and property during a flood can be found at www.environment-agency.gov.uk or by calling Floodline on 0845 988 1188.
