Flood Action Update November 2009

It is now approaching 2 and a half years since the flooding that took place in the UK and Gilberdyke was caught up in the drama that hit the area.  A significant amount of work, and that can not be underestimated, has taken place in the area since the terrible flooding that affected so many people.

Actions were brought about to bring the area to a standard that flooding potential is reduced, though it would be foolish to say removed completely as who knows what the heavens can do if it really tried.

The people of Gilberdyke , the Gilberdyke Flood action Group and the Parish Council have endeavoured to get work done in the area to the dykes and ditches which are vital drainage for the area.  Many letters have been posted and telephone calls to bodies who we are aware that can provide assistance were made, many of which were made by the Clerk to the Parish Council (Sue Nicholson).

Since the flooding, the Mason Clark report has been helpful to get vital works carried out in the village.  The following works have been carried out:

·         Network Rail have cleared the track side dyke to Bellasize and continued to clear the drain under the station to the Bishopsoil Drain.

·         Lower Ouse Internal Drainage Board (LOIDB) have cleared and de-silted the Bishopsoil Drain and the Bellasize Drain as far as the River Ouse, which is a considerable distance.  They have also done extensive clearance along Thornton Dam lane.

·         East Riding of Yorkshire Council (ERYC) has taken level measurements to the critical section of drain which runs through Scalby lane and Chestnut Drive and the drain between Bellasize Park and Westbrook Road.  The ERYC engineers are currently preparing designs to provide a clear and adequate escape route for surface water to the Bishopsoil Drain.  Work is hopefully to start soon.

·         Extensive clearance of ‘culverted’ drains at the East Side of Sandholme Road, under the Main Road and adjacent to the Wards Hotel, this took place during October 2009.

·         It has also been announced on the 10/11/2009 that the ERyC has been working with the LOIDB to survey the existing dykes within Gilberdyke and work is now almost complete.  The next step is for drawings to be produced detailing the options which will then be put to the Flood Action Group before the end of December 2009.  Further public consultation will then be carried out in the very early part of the new year before the work starts.  This work is envisaged to be substantially completed before the beginning of March 2010 when the Habitat Regulations 1994 prevents further major work being carried out until September.  

Work is continuing to the drainage system of Gilberdyke and is currently being monitored by the people of Gilberdyke, the Gilberdyke Flood action Group and the Parish Council to ensure the drainage system is kept to standard.  Maintenance though is the key to the problems and this must continue with the help of every one of us in Gilberdyke.

Report date:25/11/2009