£15m South Ferriby flood defences to get green light

A £15 million flood defence scheme which would help to protect homeowners and businesses in South Ferriby is expected to get the go-ahead.

The proposal submitted by the Environment Agency would see the flood alleviation plan built in the vicinity of Ferriby Sluice, Sluice Road.

It’s part of a £40 million investment by the government back in July 2018 to deliver the scheme and others across the country.

The Environment Agency said the defences will help to protect 144 homes and agricultural land, as well as the CEMEX cement plant and Hope and Anchor pub.

North Lincolnshire Council’s planning committee has been recommended to approve the construction of the defences at a meeting on March 13.

Layout of the areas covered by the proposed flood defences.

South Ferriby village was devastated by flooding back in December 2013 when 129 homes and 1,000 hectares of land were affected.

The agency said the floods from the Humber Estuary caused an estimated £50 million economic loss.

The proposals would see a new impermeable flood embankment west of the CEMEX Plant, as well as improvements to the north of the A1077 where the embankment will be raised.

New brick clad walls would be built in the area around Ferriby Sluice and demountable defences would be placed across the A1077 when flood warnings are issued.

The Hope and Anchor pub, South Ferriby, pictured across the River Ancholme. Picture: Alan Murray-Rust/Creative Commons.

Mike Dugher, Humber manager for the Environment Agency, said: “This government funding will help the Environment Agency unlock millions of pounds worth of partnership funding for the South Ferriby Flood Alleviation Scheme.

“Once completed, the scheme will help prevent £139 million of economic losses to the nation and better protect 144 homes and over 5,000 hectares of agricultural land from flooding.

“A large part of the A1077, which runs through South Ferriby, will be better protected as a result of this scheme.  As a key economic artery between Scunthorpe and Hull, better protection for the A1077 will secure existing businesses and jobs and stimulate economic growth in local communities.”

Local parish councils welcomed the scheme, but raised concerns over the potential closure of the A0177 during the works.

Councillors in Winteringham said alternative methods to closing the road should be the “highest priority”.

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