Howdenshire Flood Alleviation Scheme Opens
Work is now completed on two large storm water pumping stations on the Banks of the River Ouse and Humber Estuary.
The Howdenshire Flood Alleviation scheme was officially opened today (18th October 2018) by Mr Stuart Roberts, Vice President of the National Farmers Union.
Picture : Mr Stuart Roberts, Vice President, National Farmers Union with Councillor Kay West Chair of the Ouse and Humber Drainage Board
This strategically important scheme was led by the Ouse and Humber Drainage Board which manages the drainage needs of around one fifth of East Yorkshire including the water from the M62 motorway between Goole and the main route into Hull. The works have been supported by funding from the Ouse and Humber Drainage Board, Environment Agency, Highways England, the Yorkshire Regional Flood and Coastal Committee and the Humber Local Enterprise (LEP) Local Growth Programme which is part of the Government’s Commitment to the Northern Powerhouse.
Stuart Roberts said “It gives me great pleasure to be asked to open this scheme, a project that will first, and foremost help residents feel more secure in their homes but will also help sustain local farming in the future. With the onset of climate change and upcoming changes to UK agricultural policy it is important to recognise how investment in rural areas of this type has direct benefits to the wider region”
Picture : New Storm-water Outfall into the River Ouse
The new pumps have a combined capacity of 2.4 tonnes of water per second, together capable of emptying four Olympic sized swimming pools in just over an hour. The work is in direct response to climate change. Land drainage systems originally built in the 18th century struggle to discharge at low tide because of sea level rise and therefore need help during heavy rainfall.
Neil Longden, Environment Agency Flood Risk Manager, said “We are delighted to support this scheme which will reduce flood risk to people and properties in the area as well as help safeguard the local economy.”
The scheme benefits an area the size of a small city providing drainage benefits to the M62 Motorway and reducing flood risk to around 1,000 properties and businesses and some of the most productive farmland in Yorkshire.
Lord Chris Haskins, Chair of the Humber Local Enterprise Partnership said “The LEP is pleased to support this scheme through the Local Growth Fund. Our Growth Deals with Government are designed to support local organisations to deliver important infrastructure projects such as the one we see here. This helps sustain and grow our local and regional economy”.
Picture : Cllr Victoria Aitken, Mr Stuart Roberts, Cllr Kay West & Lord Haskins of Skidby
Chair of the Drainage Board, Councillor Kay West added “The Board would very much like to thank our funding partners and the team that helped deliver this scheme. The work of Internal Drainage Boards is fundamental for our residents, businesses and other local services in the areas they serve”
Picture : New Multistage Storm-water Inlet Structure
The Minister for the Northern Powerhouse and Local Growth, Jake Berry, said:
‘We’re committed to boosting economic growth across the whole of the Northern Powerhouse and building a Britain fit for the future.
‘Ensuring that homes and businesses are kept safe against flooding is central to this. The completion of two new large storm water pumping stations, backed by £250,000 from the Local Growth Fund, will help protect the main route into Hull while giving much needed assurance to residents.’
Picture : Howdenshire Community Representatives, Guests and Project Delivery Team
