North Yorkshire Council has announced that its successful scheme aiming to protect homes in a flooding blackspot is to be rolled out to further communities.
The original scheme saw 128 properties in Malton, Norton and Old Malton protected from flooding through improvements that were funded by £1.5 million worth of investment. The investment is now being extended by the council with villages in the surrounding area being at benefit. Plans are also consideration to utilise the Ryedale model in other areas around the country to ensure that homes and businesses are protected from flooding.
This development comes after the launch of the new council on the 1st April 2023, with the merging of the eight previous authorities allowing for a county-wide, coordinated approach to services.
Households that were eligible for the scheme were able to receive up to £5,000 to pay for approved alterations such as:
- Flood door barriers
- Airbricks that close automatically to keep water out
- Non-return valves on drains to prevent floodwater or sewage from backing up
- Waterproof copings on walls
- Pumps to remove water
With the extension of the scheme, the villages of Sinnington, Kirkbymoorside, Kirkby Mills, Gilling East, Hovingham and Thornton-le-Dale will be covered, and qualifying households will be able to receive £7,000 of support.
Cllr Keane Duncan, Executive Member for Highways and Transport, said:
“The 2021 flood event was a disruptive and tense time for our communities. The work we have done since then to deliver vital protection for properties in Malton, Norton and wider Ryedale area showers what can be achieved by working with local communities and bringing key partners together.
“This model has been very positively received by Malton and Norton residents, so I am keen to see it rolled out across other parts of the country. Our teams are working to identify the needs of communities at risk off flooding and deliver solutions there too.
“Through close relationships with partner organisations and the government, we will continue to fight for more funding to help ensure homes and businesses across North Yorkshire are protected as effectively as possible from the future threat of flooding.”
The partnership that benefitted communities at risk from flooding saw the previous North Yorkshire County Council working with Ryedale District Council, whilst additional funding also came from the York and North Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership and the Environment Agency.
