Council urged to buy more flood defences

A COUNCIL is being urged to buy more sets of inflatable flood defences following a review of progress since the devastating floods of 2007.

A flood review panel, chaired by Coun John Dennis, came up with 16 recommendations which were approved by East Riding Council’s cabinet yesterday, and now go to full council.

Coun Dennis said the council had only one mobile flood unit but he hoped it would buy two more, adding: “They are rubberised and inflate and can be brought into action at relatively short notice. Sandbags are fine but they tend to fall apart after a few hours.”

The panel also wants to see developers asked for “quality” flood risk assessments at an early stage to make sure they focus on flood risks. The council has also been urged look at the possibility of developing flood-specific engineering courses with local colleges. Town and parish councils would also be urged to have an emergency plan and encourage residents to become flood wardens. Generally speaking, Coun Dennis said, the area was much better protected against flooding – but it was “never ever guaranteed”. He said: “It is really good news that the Environment Agency has spent hundreds of millions on flood alleviation and mitigation in the west of Hull, and also Paull and Goole. All these works come together and create a very effective defence – but it is never, ever guaranteed.”