£1M FLOOD DEFENCE BOOST FOR FLOOD-HIT YORK HOMES
The Environment Agency is shelling out £1million to install flood defences at over 100 homes and businesses in flood-prone York. The city has battled relentless flooding for decades, including major deluges in 2000 and 2015 that swamped more than 620 properties.
York’s Flood Nightmare
Homes in York and nearby villages Naburn and Acaster Malbis have faced serious flood damage. Water pours through doors and airbricks, ruining property and furniture.
The new scheme targets this problem with cutting-edge Property Flood Resilience (PFR) measures. These include flood barriers, self-closing air bricks, non-return valves, and pumps — all designed to keep floodwaters at bay.
The installations will run until December, funded by the Environment Agency.
Major Investment, Major Protection
Paul Stockhill, Environment Agency Area Flood Risk Manager, said:
“With our changing climate we can’t eliminate flooding risk, but we can help communities bounce back quicker. While large defences are vital, sometimes property-level protection is the smarter option. We hope these measures give York residents peace of mind, reducing flood damage and easing recovery.”
“This £1million is part of a bigger £45million flood defence programme in York, plus £38million to upgrade the Foss Barrier. Together, this will protect over 2,000 properties citywide.”
Local Residents Praise New Defences
Stanley Shoobridge of Acaster Malbis, who benefits from the scheme, said:
“I’m thrilled with my new flood defences — much easier than lugging sandbags around. I don’t flood often, but when I do I’m cut off unless you’ve got waders! At 92, this barrier is a godsend.”
“I live in an 18th-century cottage with underground water seepage. The new pumps and four automatic air grates mean I don’t have to worry about covering gaps any more.”
Council Backs Flood Fight
Cllr Paula Widdowson, Executive Member for Climate Change and the Environment at City of York Council, said:
“Protecting homes and businesses is top priority as flooding increases. This extra funding boosts defences in Naburn, Acaster Malbis, and beyond, adding to work already protecting over 2,000 properties across York.”
“Our joint £110million flood alleviation scheme with the Environment Agency is vital to tackling the impact of floods and climate change on our communities.”
