Video: River Hull flooding destroys farmers' crops in fields north of Beverley
FLOOD water is destroying fields of crops and putting livestock at risk, East Yorkshire farming leaders are warning.
The National Farmers' Union (NFU) is pressing the Environment Agency to step up pumping operations to reduce the flood water that is wiping out thousands of pounds worth of crops.
Industry leaders are warning the floods will be a financial disaster for stricken farmers whose land remains under water.
Livestock farmer Elizabeth Harrison, of Wilfholme, north of Beverley, said five parishes are flooded in the area.
CAR KEYS AND REMOTES "FREE REMOTE KEY FOB BATTERY" 01482 423414 ...
Peace Of Mind Security Hull Ltd/Hull Car Keys
View details
FOR ALL YOUR CAR KEY NEEDS CALL US NOW ON
01482 423414
SNAPPED KEYS, LOST KEYS, KEYS LOCKED IN VEHICLES,
EXTRA KEYS
WE ALSO REPAIR 90% OF ALL REMOTES AND KEYS, NO FIX NO CHARGE.
Terms: FREE REMOTE KEY FOB BATTERY ONE PER CUSTOMER
Contact: 01482 423414
Valid until: Friday, May 31 2013
She said: "We are right next to the pumping station and the pumps have not been going properly over the last four days.
"Farmland in the area is flooded, crops are ruined and farmers are having to move their livestock.
"It's washed fences away so there's no fences for livestock in places."
Mrs Harrison, who farms at Three Jolly Tars, said the floods are a disaster for East Riding farmers.
She said: "I don't know what farmers will do.
"We can't get in and out with tractors. We can't get onto the land, it's completely horrendous."
Mrs Harrison also warned walkers are putting themselves at risk by walking alongside flooded waterways, including Barmston Drain.
She said: "Walkers don't realise it's dangerous. They are trying to walk through the area and the water is waist deep in places."
James Copeland, NFU spokesman for East Yorkshire, said talks are under way with the Environment Agency in a bid to maximise pumping operations in the area.
He said: "We are in discussions with the Environment Agency to put the case to them.
"They are aware of the issues and they are operating pumps manually to optimise their efforts to get the water out."
Mr Copeland said the floods are disastrous for many farmers.
He said: "The whole of East Yorkshire is suffering, there's a lot of different farming businesses there.
"It will be a major financial worry for a lot of those farmers."
A spokesman for the Environment Agency said: "The heavy rainfall we've seen over the past few weeks has left river and groundwater levels very high at the moment, so we would expect to see excess water in fields and water storage areas across the region.
"This area is particularly susceptible to water accumulation because the land is lower than the level of the sea and rivers.
"We've also had some high tides this week, which cause water courses to back up.
"However, we are working our pumps to remove water in a number of locations across the region to reduce flood risk and we expect river levels to drop over the next few days."
Comments
by Planetnormal
Saturday, January 05 2013, 2:30PM
“by Removals Hull - Local & Nationwide Removals & StorageSaturday, January 05 2013, 10:29AM
"surely at low tide they can close the ruddy barrier!!"
Once again you show your total lack of understanding of how the water drainage system works. A little knowledge is a dangerous thing. . . . very dangerous in your case!!”
by Removal Man Hull - Local & Nationwide Removals & Storage
Saturday, January 05 2013, 10:29AM
“surely at low tide they can close the ruddy barrier!!”
by buornfree
Saturday, January 05 2013, 7:37AM
“They should start the draining the river HULL again that would solve nearly all the problems just like they used to do years ago you only have to look at the mouth of the river Hull plus they filled in most of the drains and ditches in Hull Barmston drain is getting just as bad now as well”
by AllusWright
Thursday, January 03 2013, 7:59PM
“The years of neglect by the Environment Agency/River Authorities is a disgrace. The silting of the river bottoms has gone on unaddressed.”
by AstynomiaKats
Thursday, January 03 2013, 11:47AM
“A spokesman for the NFU said.... Too, hot, too dry, too wet, too cheap, too many supermarkets, were are all ust so poor.”
by manic-myrtle
Thursday, January 03 2013, 9:20AM
“Perhaps re-opening the ditches that so many farmers filled in for that extra bit of land would be of some assistance in draining fields again......Just a thought!”
by arntdullinul
Thursday, January 03 2013, 8:05AM
“Put up prices to the public, Increase the amount of Set Aside, Check for CAP Grants and keep the Range Rover another year.”