Flood campaigners fight on

A petition calling for flood defence funding for Leeman Road in York has been presented to 10 Downing Street by councillors from its ruling Labour group,

Critics say previously promised funding for flood defence work in the area, which was badly affected by floods in 2000, was withdrawn after it emerged earlier this year that the Environment Agency’s flood risk capital budget was being cut by 26 per cent.

Meanwhile, the Slowing the Flow Partnership Project Board has set out its future plans for tackling flooding in Pickering – one of North Yorkshire’s worst flooding black spots – after the Environment Agency controversially pulled the plug on the scheme in June as costs spiralled.

The Slowing the Flow board says it is now planning to build 15 debris dams at Levisham Beck this autumn, with a further possible scheme at Pickering Beck, as well as deciding to explore the scope for creating smaller flood storage areas rather than large reservoirs which would help slash future costs.

It is also looking at options to increase the funding available to make individual properties and homes more resistant to flooding by using air brick covers and door barriers.

Board chairman Jeremy Walker said: “There are many difficulties in this work but we are determined to carry on making improvements that are practicable and affordable.”

York Labour councillor Joe Riches said after handing the petition to Downing Street: “We will continue to push until we get confirmation that the necessary flood defence work will be carried out in York.”