Crunch time for Pickering flood defences (From Gazette & Herald)

Crunch time for Pickering flood defences

12:44pm Wednesday 17th October 2012 in News

A CRUCIAL decision is expected to be made on Friday on a scheme to help combat flooding in Pickering.

It will see earth mounds – known as bunds – being built in the lower Newton Dale area to slow the flow of flood water coming down from the moors. This pours into Pickering’s river, causing flooding in the Market Place, Park Street and Beck Isle areas, which has happened several times in recent years, causing millions of pounds worth of damage.

Ian Thompson, regional flood risk manager for the Environment Agency, said the scheme would be an integral part of the Slow the Flow project for Pickering and wants its local management to be provided by the Pickering community.

The Slow the Flow Board is meeting on Friday to make a final decision on whether the building of the flood defences should go ahead.

Mr Thompson said the board would also be responsible for the long-term maintenance of the defences. Routine maintenance could be done by contractors paid for by the town council or through volunteers.

The work would involve clearing of debris, grass cutting, vermin control and pruning, with a total annual cost of £6,300. If a commitment was to be made, it would be for 50 years, the lifetime of the flood defences, said Mr Thompson.

Town councillors were told that the mounds could be built next summer if the green light is given to the scheme on Friday.

The town authority has decided to defer a decision on whether Pickering should take on responsibility for the mounds until more details were available.