DEFRA has lead responsibility for national preparedness for flooding in England and is working, as part of the Cabinet Office-led Capabilities Programme, to build the capability of all key players across the country. Regionally, the lead planning role falls to the Government offices for the regions working with local authorities, the Environment Agency and emergency services. The police will lead the response during an actual emergency. The Environment Agency has a role in forecasting and warning of potential flooding from rivers and the sea.
I understand Bournemouth borough council has an incident plan which includes flooding. The Environment Agency has worked closely with the council and emergency services to ensure they have an understanding of the risks within Bournemouth, including the vulnerable nature of some communities such as residents of mobile homes. The agency has worked with these communities and the council to increase public awareness of the risks and to improve resilience, for example, through residents’ flood plans and emergency exercises at locations such as Iford Bridge.
Sunderland Point is an exposed low-lying headland at the mouth of the River Lune. Lancaster City council is carefully monitoring erosion of the Point, which is taking place at an average rate of approximately 0.5 to 1m a year. The nearest properties in the area are more than 200 m from the Point.
The Environment Agency has warning systems in place in relation to high tides and storm surge conditions, and is involved in ongoing discussions with Lancaster City council, Natural England and local landowners about flood risks.