A new multi-agency partnership, set up earlier this year better to understand flood risk in the River Hull Valley which is one of the most at-risk flood plains in England, will meet later this week to review progress on a detailed infrastructure study.
The River Hull Advisory Board (RHAB), chaired by Graham Stuart MP, includes representatives from the Environment Agency, East Riding of Yorkshire Council, Hull City Council, Yorkshire Water, Internal Drainage Boards, Natural England, the National Farmers’ Union, local communities, land owners and businesses with the aim of developing a comprehensive approach to managing flood risk, including ways of improving maintenance and making the case for future funding of engineering works.
The natural River Hull Valley covers a land area of approximately 380 square miles and has a population of around 360,000 residents, centred on the East Riding settlements of Haltemprice, Beverley, Driffield, and the City of Kingston Upon Hull.
The approach is being developed from a study that uses sophisticated computer models to simulate how water moves in watercourses, rivers, underneath and across the land. Once the model is built it will represent the ‘real world’ as closely as possible. Designers can then use the model in a ‘safe’ way to test various ‘what if’ scenarios and solutions.
The work is anticipated to be complete by spring 2015 and will help identify where works need to be carried out and how much it will cost.
Mr Stuart said: “Flooding here represents one of the biggest risks in the region. In order to get the best results for the local population, that have suffered so much from the effects of flooding, it is essential that we have robust evidence to show the need for improved maintenance works, new infrastructure and to make the case to local and national funders
“Although some work has already been carried out to understand flooding in this area, it is clear that further work needs to be undertaken. I am pleased that all parties are working together to reach an agreed outcome.”
