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18 York Flood Defences Below Par This Winter
18 Dec
Summary
- Six percent of York's flood defences failed to meet standards.
- Fifteen high-consequence defences protecting homes are below standard.
- National repairs backlog leads to £108m government investment.
In York, a recent inspection revealed that 18 of the city's 312 monitored flood defences did not meet essential safety standards ahead of the winter season. The Environment Agency identified these issues during routine October checks. Of particular concern, 15 defences deemed "high consequence" due to their role in protecting local residences and businesses were found to be below the required condition.
This localized finding mirrors a broader national concern, with research indicating that 8.6% of nearly 100,000 flood defences inspected nationwide by the Environment Agency are also below their target standards. Factors contributing to lower scores can include structural damage like cracks or erosion, as well as issues with drainage and vegetation.
In response to these findings and the increasing threat of extreme weather due to climate change, the government has announced a substantial investment of £108 million for flood defence repairs and maintenance. This initiative is part of a larger commitment to spend £10.5 billion over the next decade to improve and build new defences across the country.
