“People ran for their lives”: Flood memories sway £15m defence approval

Flood victims’ heartfelt pleas have seen a new £15 million defence investment approved.

The proposal from the Environment Agency would be built around Ferriby Sluice, Sluice Road.

It 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.

Objectors from Winteringham however said a 35 minute diversion would create issues for commuters and transport, affect the sustainability of the village and split a nearby schools federation in two.

Dr Chris Price, said: “This scheme would cause cessation of a valuable link for the village.

“Without this, the village faces isolation for certain groups.”

Photo: Daniel Jaines

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

Sarah Haddon was one of those affected and recalled how the event was “distressing for everyone” involved.

“Some people literally ran for their lives whilst others waded through thigh deep water to reach higher land” she said, before outlining the long-term effects of the event.

She said people had suffered a number of mental health issues and were in a “constant state of anxiety” whenever high tides took place.

Layout of the areas covered by the proposed flood defences.

Councillor Carl Sherwood also saw the 2013 floods.

“People lost everything – their homes, their belongings. They didn’t suffer for a few weeks, they suffered for years,” he said.

“It was great to see how the community rallied round and helped, but I don’t want to ever see that again.

“It’s a small price to pay to stop the chance of such devastation happening again.”

Councillor Davison added that “you can’t make omelette without breaking a few eggs”.

“While I have got sympathy with 35 minutes of detour, I’m sure South Ferriby would welcome it if their home didn’t flood,” he said.

The planning committee sitting at North Lincolnshire.

Mike Dugher, deputy director of the Environment Agency, said the flood had caused 10s of millions of pounds of damage  to the local area.

“It took the community several years to physically rebuild from the devastating impacts of that flood, but we know many continue to live with the anxiety and worry of it happening again and recognise the lasting mental health impacts of people who experienced that flood,” he said.

He outlined how the erosion of the flood banks had become a concern.
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.

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 works are hoped to be completed by Marc 2021 and many of the works will take place overnight.

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