Electronic signposts showing real time flooding updates to be set up at Welney Wash road

MP Steve Barclay (Image: Archant)

Currently road closure signs remain in place after the water has receded causing unnecessary diversions.

Regular road users often disregard the signs, leading to problems when the flood waters return.

The catalyst for the project has been MP Steve Barclay, who is campaigning for a causeway to be built over the flood plain.

The North East Cambs MP has secured backing from MPs Liz Truss and Jim Paice for his campaign for better flood defences. Following the launch of MP Barclay’s campaign Welney Parish Councillors met with Norfolk County Council to discuss plans for the electronic signposts.

MP Barclay said: “I am delighted that my colleagues are lending their support for this project. Flooding on the Welney Wash is a recurring problem for residents and the possibility of electronic road signs would provide an effective short term solution to the problem.

“Flooding in the area for around 50 days per year is a major inconvenience and impacts on local business. We need to take concrete measures to limit this issue and work with local authorities to take action on long term solutions like our campaign for a causeway.”

Under the parish partnership scheme, Norfolk County Council has offered to fund 75 per cent of the £15,000 cost of the signs, meaning the parish council is now on the hunt for the remaining £3,750.

MP Barclay will meet with the MPs and councillors at the site on March 22 to highlight the need for both short and longer term solutions for drivers and residents who need access to the road.

He has written to the Transport secretary, Patrick McLoughlin and Norfolk County Council asking for a feasibility study on the project to build a causeway over the floodplain.