ONE of the two flood warning sirens removed from Wisbech earlier this month is to go on display.

The siren will form part of an exhibition of Land Drainage and Flood Risk Management over the last 100 years hosted by the North Level Internal Drainage Board.

Guy Szomi of the Environment Agency said: “People in Wisbech used to have to rely partly on flood sirens to give them prior warning of flooding. However, we now offer our Floodline Warnings Direct Service to give people in at-risk areas more time to act to protect themselves and their families.

“In addition, major improvements made to flood defences in Wisbech since the 1980s mean that the sirens have not been used for more than 30 years. We are therefore delighted to give this siren to the IDB as a lasting reminder of how flood risk was managed in the area in the past.”

The exhibition, at the former Cross Guns Pumping Station, Thorney Toll, is open to schools and other groups on request. Items on display include a collection of hand tools, old maps and pumps and the original sign showing the toll for horses and carts as they crossed the bridge.

The siren will be mounted on a plinth and will be available to view along with a description.

John Hoyles, Chairman of North Level IDB, said: “Many people will remember the siren being sounded in Wisbech in 1978 and it seems fitting to keep this part of the history of flood risk management in the Fens.”

Environment Agency flood officials visited more than 1500 homes in Wisbech, to warn people the town’s flood sirens are being removed.

The last two sirens, on Orchards Park Primary School and the Thomas Clarkson Community College, were taken down earlier this month.