Flood defence measures to be expanded in Ryedale following Storm Christoph

New flood defence measures will soon be installed in Malton and Norton to provide greater protection from severe weather.
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The flood alleviation scheme is a joint project between North Yorkshire County Council and Ryedale District Council, with funding also coming from the York & North Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership and the Environment Agency.

It will improve the pumping infrastructure in Malton, Norton and Old Malton where up to 130 properties are regarded as high-risk and help the owners to add further protection to their homes and businesses.

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The work follows the successful implementation of a pumping plan in the aftermath of prolonged rain brought by Storm Christoph in January, where up to 29 pumps were deployed on both sides of the River Derwent.

Fire crews pump out flood water in Malton back into the River Derwent.Fire crews pump out flood water in Malton back into the River Derwent.
Fire crews pump out flood water in Malton back into the River Derwent.

The new pump infrastructure will enhance existing protection by improving the speed, safety and efficiency of pump deployment.

Infrastructure improvements will include permanent brackets, pipework and hard standing at various locations, including County Bridge, Tate Smith Yard and Old Malton, which will be installed in the coming weeks.

The property level resilience scheme entitles targeted households up to £5,000 for approved alterations.

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Those in the scheme are being contacted and offered a variety of measures to protect their homes.

Residents on Castlegate watch the flood water outside their properties in Malton.Residents on Castlegate watch the flood water outside their properties in Malton.
Residents on Castlegate watch the flood water outside their properties in Malton.

These include flood door barriers, air bricks that close automatically to keep out water, non-return valves on drains to prevent floodwater or sewage backing up and waterproof copings on walls.

Residents are being reassured that the measures are discreet and will not affect the appearance of their properties.

County Councillor Don Mackenzie, Executive Member for Access, said: “These infrastructure improvements are small, but they will make a significant difference.

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"For example, the brackets and fixed pipework on County Bridge will enable quicker, more efficient deployment of the pumps and, importantly, make it safer for the operatives.

Malton flooding in January 2021.Malton flooding in January 2021.
Malton flooding in January 2021.

"The works as a whole will make the pump operation more practical, safer and more efficient.”

Norton division county councillor Cllr Keane Duncan said: “The recent flood event was a very tense situation for many residents. There was grave concern on the ground, but the worst-case scenario that had been feared was thankfully averted thanks to the amazing work of the multi-agency response.

“This latest work, to protect homes and assist in providing an even better local response, is very welcome. It shows just how much a partnership approach can achieve and paves the way for further potential steps in future. Whatever we do can only be achieved by all agencies working together.”

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Cllr Mackenzie added: “We can never eliminate the risk of flooding entirely, but we can help reduce the risk of water getting into your home and lessen its impact if it does.”

York & North Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership allocated £500,000 from the Government’s Local Growth Fund towards the scheme.

As another measure to help reduce flooding in the area, Yorkshire Water has commissioned an extensive survey to understand how water interacts with Malton and Norton’s drainage systems.

It is hoped this survey will build on the work that has already been done and provide further clarity on the complex drainage issues as well as sustainable solutions for managing groundwater and surface water in the future.

Find more information about the measures being taken HERE.

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