New flood protection plan for village

NEW plans which could see an East Riding village protected from flooding have been revealed.

A public meeting was held to discuss studies carried out by the Environment Agency looking at how to protect Sunk Island from being flooded.

Under its original Humber Flood Risk Management Strategy, published last year, defences in areas including Sunk Island would be left unprotected.

As a result, thousands of acres of "high-grade" agricultural land, worth almost £100m, and up to 1,000 homes would be lost.

However, agency officials have now carried out further studies around the village, south of Patrington, which could see defences maintained or new protection built.

The meeting in Hedon was held after an outcry from residents and politicians over the initial proposals for the Sunk Island area.

Ann Suggit, Hedon town councillor and member of Holderness Flood Defence Group, was at the meeting.

She said: "There was a really good turnout and we discussed a number of issues surrounding flooding in the Holderness area.

"I do think the agency are listening to us and we are pleased they are looking at Sunk Island again.

"We also talked to the officials about protection for Hedon, Burstwick and Thorngumbald including the widening of drains and the installation of pumps.

"They have said they will take away our suggestions and consider them."

Previous calculations on the costs of flood protection meant those around Sunk Island could not be maintained, according to the agency.

But the new studies have included the rise in the value of land and property in the area and the three major gas pipelines running across it, such as those that come ashore at Easington.

The report also took into account the "wider implications of potentially losing such a large area of very productive land".

Further meetings will be held tonight at Skeffling Village Hall and tomorrow at Sunk Island Village Hall at 6.30pm.

Philip Winn, Humber strategies manager for the Environment Agency, said: "The meeting went very well and we are pleased to have been able to deliver more positive news to residents.

"Hopefully everyone who wanted to speak had the opportunity to get their views across.

"There was a lot of questions raised and we will take those away with us and provide answers."