Funding secured for £1.2m scheme to tackle flooding along River Hull

Over £1m has been committed to a project to reduce flood risk along the banks of the River Hull.

Two pumping stations which operate on the river between Beverley and Driffield need to be refurbished to help tackle flooding in the event of heavy rainfall.

East Riding Council has received £840,000 from the Local Growth Fund – secured by the Humber LEP from government – to complete the vital work.

An additional £360,000 has also been provided by the Beverley and North Holderness Internal Drainage Board.

The improved pumping stations will reduce the risk of flooding to 348 hectares of land either side of the River Hull.

Work is due be completed by autumn 2020.

A view from the pumping station at Wilfholme during the high waters and land flooding in November (East Riding Council)

Councillor Chris Matthews, portfolio holder for strategic management at East Riding Council, said: “This project has been made possible thanks to great partnership working through the River Hull Integrated Catchment Strategy.

“We welcome the Humber LEP’s view in prioritising flood risk investment and including this important strategy in their Investment Plan.

“We’re very pleased to be supporting this project, which will ensure the pumping stations continue to provide a reliable means of lifting surface water in the lower level land drainage system into the high level system.

“The investment will also reduce the ongoing operation costs by introducing more efficient dry weather pumps.”

The scheme includes the purchase and installation of new pumping units, new control mechanisms and the refurbishment of some existing equipment.

The project to refurbish the Hempholme and Wilfholme pumping stations has been led by East Riding Council, the Environment Agency and the Beverley and North Holderness Internal Drainage Board.

Lord Chris Haskins, chair at the Humber LEP, said: “We are pleased to provide funding for this project to further bolster the Humber region’s flood defences.

“As recent heavy rainfall has highlighted, we must continue to protect homes and businesses from the risk of flooding and this project to improve two pumping stations will help mitigate the effects of flooding in this agricultural area.

Jake Berry, Northern Powerhouse Minister, during his visit to Orsted East Coast Hub, on Grimsby Docks. (Rick Byrne / Grimsbylive)

“The Humber LEP continues to see flood mitigation as an important issue in our region and we are pleased to support our local authorities’ efforts to improve their defences and take preventative measures.”

Jake Berry, minister for the Northern Powerhouse and Local Growth, added: “We’re committed to boosting economic growth and levelling up communities across the North and the Midlands.

“Thanks to £840,000 from the Local Growth Fund, this essential work to will reduce the risk of flooding in the area to protect homes, businesses and valuable farm land.”