All Northampton flood sirens to be removed and replaced with electronic warning service

All flood sirens in Northampton will soon be removed and replaced with an electronic warning service.

The sirens were installed in 1998 as a temporary measure while improvements were made to river defences after 2,000 local properties were affected by flooding.

However, the Environment Agency now refers to the sirens as ‘outdated’ and says they are ‘less reliable’ due to factors such as ‘wind direction and double-glazing’.

The decision has been made after consultations with councillors, resident’s associations and partners through the Local Resilience Forum to replace all the sirens with a new system.

Ben Thornely, flood risk manager at the Environment Agency, said: “We know how devastating flooding can be, and we want people to have the most accurate and timely information when flooding is expected.

“That’s why we’re replacing the outdated flood sirens with a free, reliable flood warning service that gives clear, specific advice on what to do to help protect themselves, their loved ones and their homes.”

The new warning service will replace a number sirens that are currently located around the town in St James' and Far Cotton, which are both areas that have flooded badly in recent years.

According to the Environment Agency, these sirens have never been used, only tested.

The new service will allow residents to sign up for free and receive warnings via landline, mobile, email or text.

These warnings will be specific to the situation and will offer advice depending on the impacts.

Mr Thornely added: “When you sign up you can choose how we contact you, so you’ll have peace of mind that you’re always getting the latest, most accurate information.

“This just wasn’t possible with the flood sirens – and they were less reliable because factors like wind direction and double-glazing on modern homes make them hard to hear.”

To sign up for the free warning service visit www.gov.uk/flood or call 0345 988 1188.

It has not yet been confirmed when the sirens will be removed or how roads will be affected by the removal. Chronicle & Echo will publish an update when we know more.