A campaigner and an MP have demanded that a document they regard as potentially key in the debate about the retention of coastal flood sirens be presented to the body which could seal the fate of the sirens.

A campaigner and an MP have demanded that a document they regard as potentially key in the debate about the retention of coastal flood sirens be presented to the body which could seal the fate of the sirens.

A long running and at times terse debate has been running for several months over the continued use of the sirens, which are dotted along the Norfolk coast and can be used to alert people of impending flooding danger.

Dozens of meetings, a consultation process and large numbers of documents have been examined as the debate has continued - but the process has failed to take into account one potentially important piece of evidence, according to Wells-based campaigner Marie Strong.

A paper written by the Environment Agency called a 'strategic review on the use of sirens in Anglia region for flood warning dissemination' has not been shown to members of the fire and community protection review panel at Norfolk County Council, said Dr Strong.

“It is essential that every piece of documentation which could have an impact is brought out,” said Dr Strong, “and this one has not been presented before now.

“They have agreed to bring the document to the attention of the members, which I am very glad about, but it should have been done before.”

North Norfolk Norman Lamb said he had also asked for a copy of the document for his own records.

“It is very important that this document is disclosed to the people making the decision about the future of flood sirens,” said Mr Lamb.

“I find it scandalous it has not been produced before, but it is good that it has emerged.”

The next meeting of the fire and community protection review panel is on May 20.