Flooding inquiry launched by second authority

A SECOND investigation has been launched into severe flooding which affected more than 100 homes and businesses in East Riding and North Yorkshire in February and March.

The county was battered by bad weather over three consecutive weekends, with high winds and flooding from storms Ciara and Dennis causing widespread damage and disruption.

Last month, East Riding of Yorkshire Council appealed for victims of the flooding to assist in its investigation into the disaster by sending in photographs and videos.

Across Snaith and East Cowick, more than 100 homes were flooded after the River Aire burst its banks.

Now, North Yorkshire County Council has launched its own investigation into what happened, particularly focused on flooding in the Selby district including at Hirst Courtney and West Bank, but also in the East Riding.

The authority says it wants to determine a “clear understanding” of the events leading up to, during, and following on from the flooding.

It is working with other risk management authorities – including Yorkshire Water, the Environment Agency, district councils, internal drainage boards and landowners – to produce an interim report outlining how the flooding affected residents, businesses and the road network in North Yorkshire and the East Riding. A further, more complex investigation will also take place “to establish all the facts and technical details”.

The first report, the authority said, will document the critical infrastructure that was impacted, for example roads and utilities, and examine the roles of individual organisations and their responses.

North Yorkshire’s executive member for access, County Coun Don Mackenzie, said: “We understand the devastating impact that flooding can have on people’s lives and livelihoods.

“Water always finds the easiest path and, as in this instance, can cross administrative areas. We are consulting and co-operating with East Riding County Council to ensure that an efficient and consistent approach is adopted across these areas.

“The report will help those effected to gain a clear understanding of events and the outcomes.”

Environment Agency flood

The report will help gain a clear understanding of events.

County Coun Don Mackenzie, of North Yorkshire County Council.

risk manager, Neil Longden, said: “We are fully supportive of our partners in getting the best learning from and understanding of the recent devastating flooding.

“The report will form the basis of how we can enhance our plans for reducing the flood risk in the area. We want the community to know that although we are in unprecedented times with the Covid-19 situation, we have not forgotten about you.

“We are continuing our recovery programme of work, including assessing our flood defences to prioritise work and ensure our defences are fit for purpose.”

The interim report is anticipated to be published by October, with the final comprehensive report following “as soon as is practical”.