River levels look bad but York is open for business

A man walks over a temporary bridge at Skeldergate in York to traverse the high river level. Picture: Simon Hulme

Provisions are in place to protect property and people, and the majority of the city remains unaffected, the York Flood Group said.

Having held a meeting to discuss the situation this morning, the multi-agency group is reassuring residents and businesses that provisions are in place should river levels rise.

The group comprises of representatives from York Council, the Environment Agency, North Yorkshire Police, North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue, Yorkshire Water, Northern Powergrid and the Army.

Complete list of flood warnings affecting Yorkshire

Video: Storm Desmond causes Malham Cove to become stunning waterfall for first time in centuries

The group only meets when the River Ouse levels reach 4.2 metres above normal summer level (asl). River levels are currently at 4.25m asl and are expected to peak at 4.3m asl today, with these high levels expected to remain throughout the week.

As a result, Rowntree Park, St George’s Field Car Park and Millennium Bridge are all currently closed.

York Council has erected sandbag defences at Peckitt Street, Tower Gardens and Tower Place, and an access bridge to City Mills Residential Home has also been erected.

Front line teams are on standby from all organisations to work round the clock if required to protect residents, tourists and keep York open for business, York Flood Group said.

Councillor Chris Steward, leader of City of York Council, said: “I’d like to thank all residents, businesses and partners who have helped to make the important job that emergency services staff do across the city that little bit easier.

“This also includes many of our own front line staff who’ve been out 24/7 filling sand bags and building flood defences. So, whilst the appearance of the flooding and the high river levels may look bad in parts of York, the vast majority of the city is unaffected and the city is very much operating as normal. York is open for business and ready over our festive season.”

The Environment Agency is monitoring the situation. For the latest information, call the Environment Agency Floodline on 0345 988 1188 or visit the Agency’s website.