MP to meet landowners amid concerns over flood defences

AN MP is keeping up the pressure for defences for some of North Yorkshire's worst potential flooding hot spots and wants to meet owners of land which will be vital to schemes to ensure things are going smoothly.

Tory Anne McIntosh represents Thirsk, Malton and Filey and is also chairman-elect of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee.

She said she had requested an urgent update on Tuesday about the state of the flood defences for Thirsk, Pickering and Filey, from the local Environment Agency for North Yorkshire.

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The MP said: "I am seeking an early update on the state of the flood defences and the works required for Thirsk, Pickering and Filey from the Environment Agency.

"Even though we are currently experiencing a relatively dry spell, we need to have the flood defences in place for any possible potential floods."

"In Thirsk, I recently met residents of Riverside Mews to discuss their concerns and for an update on the proposed flood defences in the area. I would like to meet the landowners concerned as well.

"I am also seeking an early briefing on the pioneering Pickering Pilot Project and I have asked the Environment Agency if I can meet those landlords who will take the stored flood water on their land, before it enters Pickering." The Pickering project aims to create buffer strips along water courses, working to provide small dams along the railway and block moorland drains.

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One of the first of its kind in this country, it also involves planting trees to increase the time it takes from rain falling on the upper catchment to flood waters arriving in the watercourse flowing through Pickering.

The MP said if successful it could provide a model for flood defence schemes throughout the country. "I am therefore keen to see what progress has been made, as it is essential for the project to start," she added.

"With regards to Filey, I am very keen to be informed on the current position of both coastal flood defences to the town as well as work to protect the new houses to be built on Muston Road.

"Having recently visited Sinnington, I am pressing the Environment Agency for an update on the state of the flood defences there."