As the Environment Agency launches a consultation on its draft flood and coastal erosion risk management strategy for England, the North Yorkshire County Council is now pressing ahead in its commitment to mitigate flood risks.
The EA’s draft strategy sets out a vision for “a nation ready for, and resilient to, flooding and coastal change – today, tomorrow and to the year 2100”, said the council in its latest release.
The North Yorkshire County Council is now undertaking feasibility works, initially in its highest priority locations, which have historically faced repeated flood incidents, have seen significant internal property flooding and disruption to critical infrastructure.
The highest priority locations where studies are presently being undertaken to identify solutions, are Scarborough town, Malton, Norton and Old Malton, Rye villages and Great Ayton. County Council officers have also been supporting work by the EA in South Craven and Tadcaster.
County Councillor Don Mackenzie, Executive Member for Access , said: “The impact in these locations is well-known, with floods in recent years. It is good to see studies progressing. Often flood issues have inter-related causes and it requires close partnership working to deliver solutions. It is good to see that we are working closely across risk management authorities and that potential financial contributions are being identified by adopting this cooperative approach.”
The progress made to date in Malton, Norton and Old Malton and Great Ayton has only been possible because of these close working relationships, said the council.
In Malton, Norton and Old Malton, a project manager has been recruited to advance the work over the next year. This post is part-funded by the County Council and Ryedale District Council and will help to deliver improvements to the pumping arrangements, property resilience and drainage improvements.
£1.2m has been committed by the County Council, District Council, EA and York, North Yorkshire and East Riding Local Enterprise Partnership for this work, which is being led by the County Council.