In an adjournment debate he had secured in the House of Commons, Martin brought to the attention of the House, and the Government, the issue of flooding in northern Lincolnshire.
Martin used the debate to draw attention to the severe flooding that occurred on the night of the 5th and 6th of December. He used the brief time available to highlight the case of constituents who had been particularly badly affected by that flooding, individuals caught out by the lack of warning of the impending danger. Martin also highlighted the case of the Reeds Hotel in Barton, a venue used just last year to hold a conference on the 60th anniversary of the 1953 floods that caused so much damage.
In addition to those who suffered due to the floods, Martin sought to praise those who helped cope with the danger: the dock master for Immingham and Grimsby was commended for his timely decision to open the Grimsby lock gates - a measure that surely prevented many properties in Grimsby and the north end of Cleethorpes from being at significant risk of flooding. Martin also praised the response from North Lincolnshire Council in the days following the flooding.
In order to better cope with adverse weather conditions in the future, Martin highlighted in his speech the need for more effective warnings, and better coordinated response. Martin called for the Government to invest in warning sirens along the riverbank, a measure which could have made residents aware of the approaching risk. Similarly, Martin cited his recent meetings and correspondence with the Environment Agency, all of which are part of his continuing efforts to ensure that local knowledge is better integrated into flood management plans.
Martin concluded by asking for the Government's assurance that they will pay close attention to the Environment Agency's reactionary response to the floods, and that they will do all that they can to protect the homes and livelihoods of those in the northern Lincolnshire area.
The full debate, including Martin's speech, can be found at: http://www.theyworkforyou.com/debates/?id=2014-01-23a.548.0&s=martin+vickers#g553.2