Lib Dems Sound Out Costs for New Norfolk Flood Sirens

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Thu 22nd Oct 2009

A new replacement state of the art flood siren system for Norfolk would cost around £800,000 according to the Lib Dems at County Hall.

In response to Conservative plans to axe the flood sirens, the Lib Dems commissioned world renowned engineering firm Woodway to provide an indicative costing for an advanced replacement system covering Norfolk's vulnerable coastline. Four senior staff from Woodway Engineering spent a day in Norfolk to see for themselves what was required. Costings of the new system assume 35 multifunctional sirens protecting Norfolk's residents along the coastline. A report in May 2008 to the County Council's Fire & Community Protection Panel suggested 39 sirens were required but indications are that the strength of modern sirens means that numbers can be reduced further.

Cllr Paul Morse, leader of the Liberal Democrats, has called on the Conservatives to fulfill their manifesto pledge to do everything they can to retain the sirens: "Whilst more research needs to be done, it is clear that modern flood sirens are financially a realistic option. Despite their pledge the Conservatives have done nothing to retain the sirens barring an ill prepared and rushed application to the Sustainable Communities Act. We have long recognised the need to protect Norfolk's coastal residents and have put on the table an affordable and attractive option. I have had discussions with North Norfolk District Council and they are very supportive, having themselves done some exploratory work on replacing the sirens on their part of the coastline. We have put a price on community safety and the ball is now firmly in the court of the Conservative administration as to whether they will do anything with it."

Cllr Dr Marie Strong spent the day with representatives from Woodway, including their Systems Design Specialist and was impressed both by their expertise and the proposed sirens. "These modern flood sirens are multifunctional having the capacity to sound 16 different messages making them an asset for all emergency services. Additionally the sirens can be independent of mains electricity, either with battery back-up or solar power - and can pin-point specific areas to be alerted."