Giant flood defences, designed to protect thousands of homes, survive cuts

​TWO massive flood defence projects which would protect thousands of homes in East Yorkshire have survived Government cuts.
Known as the Northmoor and Great Gutter Valley attenuation schemes, they will protect homes in Willerby, Cottingham and Orchard Park, in north Hull.
With swathes of Government cuts, many flood schemes across the UK have not seen the light of day.
But East Riding Council has been given thousands of pounds to carry out a feasibility study into these schemes.
While still in the early stages, environment portfolio holder Symon Fraser is relieved to have got to this point.
He said: "I am delighted the schemes have survived and we can move them forward.
"A tremendous amount of work has already gone into these projects so we can get them right.
"These schemes will protect some of the most heavily populated areas.
"Residents will rest a lot more easily and will be able to sleep at night."
Both schemes will involve creating lagoons to hold back water during heavy rainfall which can then be released in a
controlled manner.
The Northmoor scheme will protect more than 5,000 homes and the Great Gutter Valley project 3,000.
Dave Fowlie, chairman of Thorpes Residents' Association, said: "It would be fantastic for the area. But we were let down by Gateway's regeneration of Orchard Park so we will believe it when we see it.
"Let's just hope someone somewhere doesn't decide to cut it."
Chairman of the Haltemprice Flood Action Group Liz Robinson believes a lot of work is needed to protect the west Hull villages.
She said: "It is a relief this project has not been scrapped by the Government.
"We have already had some close calls in the last year, which has pushed the drainage system to the maximum.
"But we need other schemes in areas such as Tranby Lane between Swanland and Anlaby."
East Riding Council's principal engineer, Mike Ball, believes the number of homes being protected will help ensure the scheme goes ahead.
He said: "These schemes are still at the early stages and we are just at the beginning of a long journey. They will benefit a lot of people and we are cautiously optimistic."
The news comes as the Government is set to spend �521 million  next year managing flood risks across the UK.

Source: http://rss.feedsportal.com/c/32715/f/503342/s/12b155aa/l/0L0Sthisishullandeastriding0O0Cnews0CGiant0Eflood0Edefences0Edesigned0Eprotect0Ethousands0Ehomes0Esurvive0Ecuts0Carticle0E321930A80Edetail0Carticle0Bhtml/story01.htm

Energy efficiency Disability Recession Economic policy Ethical and green living Strictly Come Dancing