News £1.4 million plan bid to stop floods
An application has been submitted to the Environment Agency by the Lower Ouse Internal Drainage Board (LOIDB) for two separate schemes worth £1.4 million to relieve the future potential flooding for households and businesses in the villages of Gilberdyke, Blacktoft, Eastrington and Laxton.
The schemes are part of a 'medium-term plan' and are to include broadening and deepening of existing dykes and the installation of new pumping facilities at Blacktoft and Laxton to lift the water into the river during times of flooding.
The timing of the application was crucial as the deadline was very tight. Hard work by local consults AF Consulting of Newport, working with the LOIDB officers, clerk Eddie Allen and his staff as well as Howdenshire Ward councillor Paul Robinson, ensured the August 31 deadline was met.
Mr Robinson said: "Credit should also be given to Gilberdyke's recently formed Flood Action Group who organised the community into sending many letters, as well as residents from other villages who also sent letters and messages to the LOIDB demanding that action be taken."
A decision on the application is expected by Christmas, when the LOIDB will know if the money has been made available from Central Government. This money will then be ring-fenced for the project and it is hoped specific design work can start early in 2008.
Mr Robinson said: "This is a positive step for residents of Gilberdyke, Blacktoft, Eastrington and Laxton, and if approved by Central Government will offer a permanent solution to removing floodwater rapidly from these communities.
"The effect on Gilberdyke should be to reduce the level of the water table, allowing rainfall without flooding, but this is only part of the solution and there will still be much to do in order to re-open or re-pot dykes filled in by developers and householders."
The next meeting of the Gilberdyke Flood Action Group is to be held at 7.30pm on September 12 at the Common Room, Scalby Lane, Gilberdyke.
David Davis MP said: "I offer my full support to this application, it is vital that the Environment Agency approves these schemes in order to prevent a repeat of the tragic flooding seen recently across the East Riding."
Published on 6th September 2007 in News.
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