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£2.6 million government investment strengthens South Holland’s drainage infrastructure
South Holland Internal Drainage Board (IDB) has completed a £2.6 million programme of infrastructure improvements supported through the National Storm Recovery and Asset Improvement Fund, with the refurbishment of Holbeach Bank Pumping Station marking the final milestone in a wide-ranging programme of delivery.
The programme has delivered a range of essential works, including pump repairs, weedscreen refurbishments, bank slip repairs, culvert replacements and electrical upgrades at key sites across the fenland catchment.
The final major project within the programme was the refurbishment of Holbeach Bank Pumping Station, which was completed in March 2026. The upgraded station plays a vital role in managing water across approximately 809 hectares of low-lying farmland, and benefits almost 3,000 residential properties, transferring water from Holbeach Marsh into the Holbeach River and helping protect homes, businesses, agricultural land and local infrastructure.
South Holland IDB Chairman, Duncan Worth, said: “This programme represents a significant investment in the resilience of our drainage infrastructure at a time when the pressures on our system continue to increase. The completion of Holbeach Bank Pumping Station was a fitting conclusion to the programme, delivering long-term benefits for the communities, landowners and businesses who rely on it every day. It is a clear example of how targeted investment and strong partnership working can deliver lasting improvements on the ground.”
Image right: Marcus Coleman, Chief Executive of the Water Management Alliance (Left), Duncan Worth, South Holland IDB Board Chairman (second from left), South Holland MP Sir John Hayes (second from right) and Karl Vines, Area Manager South Holland IDB (right), with one of the new pump motors at Holbeach Bank Pumping Station.
On 18 September, representatives from South Holland IDB welcomed MP Sir John Hayes to Holbeach Bank Pumping Station to see first-hand the investment made through the storm recovery programme and the improvements to this important piece of drainage infrastructure.
The visit showcased how:
• the refurbishment was carefully managed to ensure the station remained operational throughout the works, with temporary over-pumping arrangements in place to maintain continuous water level control.
• the upgrade included the installation of new fish and eel-friendly pumps, modernised electrical and control systems, alongside improvements to the automatic weedscreen cleaner. Together, these works improve the reliability and operational efficiency of the station, while supporting its long-term resilience and environmental performance.
Image left: Karl Vines, Area Manager South Holland IDB (right) demonstrates the new motor controls at Holbeach Bank Pumping Station to Sir John Hayes (left)
South Holland MP, Sir John Hayes, said: “I was delighted to see in person the difference the extra funding has made to the work of the South Holland Internal Drainage Board. The latest generation of pumps will bring a still more effective service in protecting our area from flooding. These pumps are not only more durable and efficient but also offer improved environmental effects as the filters allow for the passage of fish and eels. I will continue to work with the drainage board to ensure that further funding is made available to update drainage infrastructure across our area. I thank all those who work tirelessly to protect us from the risk of floods.”
The completion of the storm recovery and asset improvement programme marks an important investment in South Holland IDB’s infrastructure, helping to maintain and improve the reliability of the drainage system across the district for years to come.
Read more about the IDB Storm Recovery and Asset Improvement Funding secured by the WMA’s Member Boards in our News piece; Delivering Recovery, Resilience and Lasting Impact
Image right: Representatives from the South Holland IDB discuss the improvements with South Holland MP Sir John Hayes – South Holland MP Sir John Hayes (left), Duncan Worth, South Holland IDB Board Chairman (middle) and Marcus Coleman, Chief Executive of the Water Management Alliance (right)
