Landslide claims Whitby cottages as flood warnings persist
Hundreds of flood warnings remained in place across England and Wales today as flood-ravaged North Yorkshire woke up to the news that five homes in Whitby will have to be demolished after a landslide.
The traditional fishermen’s cottages, built into the steep cliffside, became structurally unsound after heavy rain caused subsidence in gardens in Aelfleda Terrace.
Structural engineers who inspected the houses said they could not be saved.
A Scarborough Borough Council spokesman said: “Owners have been allowed back into their properties briefly to retrieve their personal belongings but the whole area has now been cordoned off.
“Demolition is currently scheduled to take place within the next 24 to 48 hours. Security personnel and council officers will be monitoring the site closely in the meantime.”
The River Ouse in York has peaked at 4.5 metres, flooding more streets and businesses.
The Environment Agency said while it does not expect the flood-prone river to rise any further today, it will remain high.
This morning, city centre businesses along the riverbank, including pubs and restaurants, were under several feet of water.
Roads were closed as maintenance crews pumped water from streets.
Old Malton in North Yorkshire remained on a flood warning today as the River Derwent rose to almost five metres.
Several homes were flooded by shallow water, North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue said.
A spokesman said firefighters were pumping standing water yesterday and today, adding: “We turned off the pumps briefly yesterday but water levels began to rise.
“We’re currently maintaining rather than reducing levels.”
More than a dozen areas in Yorkshire currently remain on flood warnings, meaning flooding is expected and immediate action is required.
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Weather for Yorkshire
Sunday 26 May 2013
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 5 C to 19 C
Wind Speed: 13 mph
Wind direction: West
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 9 C to 16 C
Wind Speed: 20 mph
Wind direction: South
