Goahead given on raising sunken boats

Work can finally start to lift sunken wrecks out of the river Hull which had been held up by prehistoric lampreys.

The Environment Agency has issued permits allowing East Riding Council to start lifting up to 20 boats as part of a strategy which will see the waters dredged for the first time in years to cut flood risk to thousands of homes.

The snake-like, protected creatures are considered the oldest vertebrates - in existence well before dinosaurs - and have a circular disc of razor-sharp teeth. They are slowly returning to their old haunts, thanks to the lowest levels of pollution for more than 100 years. Contractors are being invited to submit tenders to lift the first two boats in September.

Coun David Elvidge said: “Hopefully this will reduce the impact (of flooding). Anything that helps our residents is worth investing in.”