News Defence plans to be discussed
The East Riding Council will agree its response next week to a flood plan which appears to neglect the Howden area.
Cabinet members are due to meet on Tuesday, when they will discuss their reaction to the the Environment Agency's plans for flood management of the river Derwent and its tributaries.
The Howden and Howdenshire wards both fall within the plan but councillors are concerned there are not sufficient measures to protect them.
Cllr Jonathan Owen, deputy leader of the council and portfolio holder for policy, strategy and partnerships and a member of the Yorkshire Regional Flood Defence Committee, said he had "reservations" about the plan.
"Although certain areas have been identified as areas where action will be taken to maintain the current level of flood risk, by increasing defences in line with climate change effects, settlements within the Pocklington provincial, Howdenshire and Howden ward, such as Pocklington and Howden, are not identified as areas where studies will be undertaken," he said.
"The approach of the Environment Agency in taking each river's catchment area separately gives us cause for concern as to the combined effects.
"As councillors it is our duty to protect the best interests of our residents and we will be robustly challenging the Environment Agency on all its proposals.
"In the light of climate change and recent events, we want to ensure that everything possible is done to protect the residents of the East Riding and not allow the area to become a flood plain for neighbouring areas."
The East Riding has been asked for its views as part of the Environment Agency's consultation.
Published on 10th January 2008 in News.
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