Rainfall simulator helping to prepare new flood defences

Hull and East Riding councils are working together to plan two schemes to protect homes and businesses in the Haltemprice and west Hull areas, which were badly hit in the floods in June that year.

Engineers are working on an “urban catchment model” before assessing the flood risk caused by severe rainfall, and the Environment Agency has just pledged a further £365,000 to support the feasibility study.

That takes the total funding for the project to £540,000 since research began last year on the Willerby and Derringham Flood Alleviation Scheme and the Cottingham Orchard Park Flood Alleviation Scheme.

East Riding Council leader Stephen Parnaby said: “This feasibility funding is excellent news. Both councils take flood prevention very seriously and these two schemes would go a long way in reducing the risk of flooding for thousands of properties against the kind of severe rainfall we saw in the summer of 2007.

“The urban catchment model currently being devised is certainly one of the most complex drainage models attempted in the UK and possibly even in Europe.

“When complete, our engineers will be able to devise and verify the best options for any future works before seeking feedback from residents.”

Once preferred options have been identified they will be put to consultation with work possibly beginning in autumn next year.