Homes are evacuated as water levels keep on rising

HOMES IN East Cowick were evacuated as rising floodwater from the River Aire continued to threaten villages in East Yorkshire last night.

East Riding of Yorkshire Council said that while water levels in nearby Snaith receded slightly, the levels in East Cowick continued to rise.

The council said residents were evacuated from a number of properties in Back Lane at East Cowick and warned that West Cowick may be at risk.

Ian Burnett, the head of asset strategy, said: “The council and its partners are constantly monitoring the conditions on the ground in Snaith, East Cowick and West Cowick.

“Properties continue to be at risk in Snaith and East Cowick, with a risk of flooding in West Cowick.

“Overnight, four tonnes of sandbags were delivered to the areas at risk and more will be arriving shortly from the council’s Hedon and Goole depots.

“People who are at risk of flooding and have not evacuated their properties are urged to do so.”

A number of roads in the area have been closed, including Gyme Corner, Pontefract Road, Market Street, Lidgate and Back Lane.

In Kirklees, residents, business and community groups affected by the floods can now apply for financial help after Kirklees Council’s cabinet supported a list of measures to help.

Council leader Coun Shabir Pandor said: “Our package of measures, including grants and relief on council tax and business rates, will go some way to helping those who have suffered recover from this situation.”

Residents and business owners in the Apperley Bridge, Bradford, and Calverley, Leeds, areas will have the opportunity to view flood-defence proposals at two events next month.

For more information, go to www.leeds.gov.uk/fas.