Flood works in line for upgrade at Water End

A REVIEW is being launched to upgrade one of the first defence schemes introduced in York nearly 30 years ago to protect hundreds of homes in a flooding blackspot.

Environment Agency officials are carrying out research as part of plans drawn up to introduce a new flood alleviation scheme in the Water End neighbourhood.

The Water End district and the surrounding area have a long history of localised flooding from the River Ouse, causing disruption to homes and businesses.

Defences built in the early 1980s to reduce the risk of flooding to more than 500 properties were some of the first in York in a project known as the Leeman Road scheme.

The severe flooding from the River Ouse which happened in 2000 meant the existing defences were nearly breached, with sandbags needed to add height to them.

The Environment Agency has now warned that flood risks are likely to increase amid the threat of climate change, and officers are consulting with residents to learn from their experiences to help to finalise blueprints for the new Water End scheme.

The Environment Agency’s project manager for the scheme, Bethany Gardner, said: “Flood risk is likely to increase with climate change and we want to listen to local people’s experiences of flooding, hear their ideas on what can be done, and understand any other concerns they may have.

“There is still a lot more to do before the final solution is identified. As part of the process, we will be consulting with key groups such as the local authority, and Yorkshire Water, as well as the local community.

“We are keen to ensure that everyone who could be affected has the opportunity to have their say and help us to shape the future scheme.”

A drop-in session will take place at St Barnabas Church Hall on Salisbury Terrace from 3pm until 7pm on Tuesday next week. Environment Agency staff will be on hand to answer questions and talk to residents about flooding in the area.