Hessle flood-risk plans unveiled

Proposals to reduce the risk of flooding in Hessle have been revealed.

A storage tank could be installed in a low area of land where water would be diverted to.

But there are fears this could increase the risk of flooding to homes near the tank in Boothferry Road, the Willows and Beverley Road.

Residents, including the father of a man who died in a drain during the 2007 floods, yesterday met with the Environment Agency to discuss the project.

Michael Barnett's son, also called Michael, 28, died of hypothermia after his leg became trapped in a temporary grille in a drain in Astral Close.

Work on the scheme could start next year, but campaigners who have spent 19 months pushing for improvements are frustrated at "the slow rate of progress."

Mr Barnett said: "It just seems like it's all talk and no action. We need to see something done now to prevent another tragedy as well as damage to people's homes."

In Hessle, flood waters that had built up in Western Drain resulted in over-spilling.

As well as creating a low area of land between Boothferry Road and the B1232 Beverley Road, planners are considering a number of flow improvement measures.

Keith Crawford, Environment Agency project manager, said: "We believe the storage area may be the best option.

"We recognise the risk to the surrounding properties and we would take measures, such as building up the banks, to reduce this.

"We welcome feedback from residents."

A report on the scheme is expected in May.

Residents can comment on the plans by e-mailing keith.crawford@environmentagency.gov.uk or calling (01904) 825882.