York’s Flood Defences Battle On Amid Coronavirus Chaos
The Environment Agency is pushing ahead with the York flood alleviation scheme — aiming to shield city homes from flooding — despite the coronavirus crisis. But all public meetings are off for now, as they prioritise health and safety.
Work Rolls On, Public Consultations Cancelled
Project director Ben Hughes said: “We’re doing all we can to keep work going and minimise pandemic delays. The health, safety and wellbeing of residents and staff come first, so we’ve shut our Wellington Row drop-in hub and paused public events.”
The agency is backing the government and NHS by following social distancing rules and cancelling meetings until it’s safe to resume.
New Flood Defences Already Holding Strong
Recent upgrades at North Street, including higher flood walls and new wider flood gates, were put to the test during York’s wettest February on record. River levels hit 4.47m at the Viking recorder, but the defences held firm.
Hughes added: “The gates and walls did their job. Our next step is replacing the floodgate under Lendal Arch this September to complete this flood cell.”
More Major Flood Projects Await Planning Approval
- Clementhorpe flood scheme: Protecting 135 homes with new floodgates and defence walls. Scheduled for City of York Council planning committee on 9 April.
- Foss flood storage area: A massive new water-holding site north of Strensall to slow floodwater and support upgraded Foss Barrier, defending over 1,000 properties.
- Bishopthorpe flood defences: Plans submitted but work delayed until September due to bird nesting.
Because the Foss storage straddles two councils, both Ryedale District and City of York Councils will review the plans next month.
Meanwhile, the team is adapting to widespread home working, putting new systems in place to keep the scheme on track despite coronavirus disruptions.
