A POSITIVE note has been sounded over the prospects for a new £6.5 million flood defence scheme for York which could be at the mercy of Government spending cuts.

The Environment Agency has published a consultation paper outlining a string of potential upgrades earmarked for the Water End and Leeman Road area, which came close to being swamped by the floods of 2000.

Uncertainty over public spending has created fears the scheme could be placed in jeopardy, but York Central MP Hugh Bayley says the publication of the Water End Flood Alleviation Scheme scoping consultation proves the agency is “serious” about the project and “effective flood defences are moving closer”.

The document also says several improvements could be made to the area’s environment if new flood defences were fitted, including better cycle paths along Cinder Lane near Scarborough Bridge and on Water End, enhanced recreational areas, upgraded footpaths and landscaping and wildlife work in the grounds of nearby St Barnabas School.

“At the moment, the Leeman Road and Water End area is only partially protected from flooding, and I remember vividly the night in autumn 2000 when hundreds of local residents and the army worked through the night to strengthen the defences,” said Mr Bayley.

“I have been pressing for permanent improvements to the city’s flood defences ever since then. I welcome the proposal to raise the defences and particularly welcome the proposal that any improvement in defences will be capable of being adapted for climate change in the future.

“I hope that, if the potential for the loss of parkland trees became a reality, it may be possible to replace these trees in the vicinity of Water End and Leeman Road. I hope too that any possible water pollution to the River Ouse could be kept to a minimum.

“I am pleased a further public consultation event is planned for September to explain the preliminary proposals for reducing flood risk in the area.”

If the money for the scheme can be secured, work could be carried out between next year and 2013.


Clementhorpe flood defence funding fears

FEARS have been raised about the prospects of new flood defences for York because of Government funding cuts.

Plans to install a hi-tech barrier in the Clementhorpe area of the city were abandoned earlier this year after a trial of the system showed water was able to seep under it and cause road surfaces to rise up.

That led to City of York Council choosing a sandbag bund solution instead as a short-term fix, but the authority also asked the Environment Agency how further flood defence works could be carried out in the city and when these would take place. But with the agency having confirmed it is at the mercy of the Government’s comprehensive spending review, Micklegate councillor Julie Gunnell, whose ward includes Clementhorpe, said she was concerned any extra defences could be shelved.

“On the plus side, the Environment Agency is saying Clementhorpe is on the top ten list of schemes due to be subject to a study, but on the downside, the spending review could stop this,” she said.

“I sincerely hope that as the agency has recognised this as a priority area, they continue to seek a solution for the long-term. This decision could affect the safety and security of people’s homes in Clementhorpe.”

Fellow Micklegate councillor Dave Merrett said: “It appears a permanent solution is as far away as it has ever been.

“Residents should not be expected to continue with this indefinitely and the uncertainty is just as bad as being told there is no money available. The council needs to step up its lobbying of the Government and our MPs and argue York’s case.”