Fresh investigation into severe flooding

SECOND investigation has been launched into severe flooding which affected more than 100 homes and businesses in East Riding and North Yorkshire in February and March.
Flooding in Snaith. Picture: Tony JohnsonFlooding in Snaith. Picture: Tony Johnson
Flooding in Snaith. Picture: Tony Johnson

The county was battered by storms over three consecutive weekends, with high winds and flooding from storm Ciara and Dennis causing widespread damage and disruption.

Last month, East Riding of Yorkshire Council appealed for victims of the flooding to assist in its investigation into the disaster by sending in photographs and videos.

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Across Snaith and East Cowick, more than 100 homes were flooded after the River Aire burst its banks.

Now, North Yorkshire County Council has launched its own investigation into what happened, particularly focused on flooding in the Selby district including at Hirst Courtney and West Bank, but also in the East Riding.

The authority said it wants to determine a “clear understanding” of the events leading up to, during, and following on from the flooding.

It is working with other risk management authorities – including Yorkshire Water, the Environment Agency, district councils, internal drainage boards and land owners – to produce an interim report outlining how the flooding affected residents, businesses and the road network in North Yorkshire and the East Riding. A further, more complex investigation will also take place “to establish all the facts and technical details”.

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The first report, the authority said, will document the critical infrastructure that was impacted, for example roads and utilities, and examine the roles of individual organisations and their responses.

North Yorkshire’s executive member for access, County Coun Don Mackenzie, said: “We understand the devastating impact that flooding can have on people’s lives and livelihoods.

“Water always finds the easiest path and, as in this instance, can cross administrative areas. We are consulting and co-operating with East Riding County Council to ensure that an efficient and consistent approach is adopted across these areas.

“The report will help those effected to gain a clear understanding of events and the outcomes.”

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Environment Agency Flood Risk Manager Neil Longden, said: “We are fully supportive of our partners in getting the best learning from and understanding of the recent devastating flooding.

“The report will form the basis of how we can enhance our plans for reducing the flood risk in the area. We want the community to know that although we are in unprecedented times with the Covid-19 situation, we have not forgotten about you.

“We are continuing our recovery programme of work, including assessing our flood defences to prioritise work and ensure our defences are fit for purpose.”

The interim report is anticipated to be published by October, with the final comprehensive report following “as soon as is practical”.

Can you help with flood report?

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East Riding Council has again appealed to those affected by the flooding to help them investigate what happened.

The investigation is examining the cause of the flooding and the actions of agencies involved in the response. A final report, which will go out to public consultation before being formally published, will include recommendations for the future.

A council spokesman said its investigation would remain separate from North Yorkshire’s but added: “We are consulting with each other, cooperating and sharing information.”

Anybody who has information to share is asked to email their pictures, videos or general information to [email protected]