East Yorkshire flood scheme work to begin

A series of lagoons together capable of holding 232,000 cubic metres of water will be constructed in the latest phase of the Willerby and Derringham Flood Alleviation Scheme.

Work has already been completed to improve drainage on Great Gutter Lane West, in Willerby, which saw the installation of bigger pipes and the creation of larger gullies.

Hundreds of homes were damaged by flooding in 2007 when the volume of rain overwhelmed the area’s drainage system.

East Riding Council leader Stephen Parnaby said: “This is a major milestone in this important flood alleviation scheme which, when complete, will help reduce the risk of the kind of widespread flooding we saw in 2007.

“Balfour Beatty will now begin the task of building the series of terraced lagoons that will hold back water in the event of a flood.”

The lagoons will be built at Rawdales, Robson’s Cottage, Albion Mills and Carr Lane.

Coun John Hewitt, portfolio holder for neighbourhoods and communities at Hull City Council, said: “It is great to see the scheme moving forward and starting work on the second phase shows the progression made on this important scheme so far.

“This joint partnership working highlights the commitment to reduce the risk of flood to many homes in the area.”

Contractor Balfour Beatty is expecting to complete the series of lagoons by the autumn of next year.

David Lowther, contracts manager for Balfour Beatty, said: “Balfour Beatty is looking forward to delivering the second phase of this strategically important project that will implement measures to protect thousands of homes across East Yorkshire.”

The Willerby and Derringham Flood Alleviation Scheme is one of a series drawn up in response to the devastating 2007 floods which hit the area.

Work is ongoing to develop a scheme of improvements for the Cottingham and Orchard Park areas which would protect 4,000 homes.

Surveys and flood modelling work are also underway to develop improvements for the Anlaby and East Ella districts.

The Willerby and Derringham Scheme is being part-funded using money from the European Regional Development Fund,

June 2007 was Yorkshire’s wettest month in more than 100 years and the flooding in and around Hull was estimated to have caused around £200 million of damage. More than 100mm of rain fell on Hull in a single day.

According to Government figures, more than 8,600 homes and 1,300 business were affected including all but eight of Hull’s schools.