Villagers push for flood defences

Villagers who suffered both in last month's record-breaking deluge and in last year's floods are calling for the River Derwent to be dredged, and for flood barriers to be erected.

The calls for action came at the weekend, when visitors to Stamford Bridge Primary School's Christmas Fair were asked what their priorities were for the future.

The consultation is being carried out in 80 communities across the East Riding.

"It's a process to ask the public what they want to see in the future in their area," said parish council chairwoman and East Riding of Yorkshire councillor Hilary Saynor. She said about 75 per cent of those questioned said flood defences were their top priority.

"Many elderly residents can remember when the river was dredged and they believe it could help us now," said Mrs Saynor.

"Others want barriers put in, and many wanted a combination of the two.

"They want somewhere for the water to go, but also something to prevent it coming into the village - but not to the detriment of other communities."

High on the list of priorities for many of the elderly people surveyed was for the Wold Haven residential home in Pocklington to be kept under local authority control.

East Riding of Yorkshire Council is looking at transferring ownership to the private sector, and some fear that the standard of care would suffer.

Other concerns raised included road repairs, education and high-visibility policing.

Mrs Saynor said once the consultation process was finished, the results would be analysed.

"We don't promise to achieve what people are calling for, but we believe it is important to know what the public's priorities are," she added.

The Environment Agency has said recently that a feasibility study into the provision of a flood prevention scheme for Stamford Bridge has been going on, which should result in a recommendation to the Yorkshire Regional Flood Committee next year.