THE results of a flood model which will help determine the future of defences along the River Ouse are finally set to be revealed.

The Environment Agency has recently received a report from consultants who built the model, which was completed last year, but has since been undergoing review.

The agency says it is digesting and evaluating the results, but hopes soon to announce its interpretation of the findings - and the implications for new and existing flood embankments and walls.

The consultants were commissioned to produce the model by the agency in the wake of the disastrous floods of November 2000. The model will help it assess the risks of a repeat disaster, or of one even greater in scale, helping it to decide where existing defences need strengthening and where new ones might be needed.

Communities whose future may be partially determined by the model include the Leeman Road area, which was just saved from flooding in 2000 by existing defences, Rawcliffe, Clementhorpe, the area between Skeldergate and Ouse Bridges, Fulford, Bishopthorpe, Naburn, Barlby and Selby. The project involved measuring more than 70 cross-sections of the river along its journey through York, replicating at each location the size and gradient of the channel, with data fed into the computer model. Previous flows were assessed, along with the impact of greater flows, caused by snow melt, heavy rainfall or a combination of the two.

The model was completed last year, but the agency then commissioned independent consultants to review the results because of the overriding importance of the findings.

Updated: 09:42 Saturday, June 21, 2003