'Watertight' defences cut flooding risk

Existing defences have been improved and new embankments have been built along Burstwick Drain to protect properties in Burstwick and Hedon, two of the communities worst affected by the 2007 floods.

The Environment Agency is finishing off landscaping and drainage work on the scheme, which started in July 2009.

"Work in Hedon has been particularly complex because of the number of properties along the banks of Burstwick Drain," project manager Jamie Wolstencroft said.

"Now the scheme is watertight the new and improved defences greatly reduce the risk of flooding to hundreds of properties in Burstwick and Hedon."

The agency said the improvements to both locations' flood defences will reduce the chance of flooding from the drain to 0.5 per cent in any one year, where previously the risk was about 10 per cent.

In Hedon, low spots in existing banks alongside the drain have been raised, or sections of flood walls built, to provide a consistent level of protection to more than 350 properties.

In Burstwick, two new 1.5-metre high embankments have been built, reducing the risk of flooding to more than 100 properties mainly in Skeckling Close. The new bank alongside Skeckling Drain will reduce the potential for floodwater entering the village.