Filey Flood plans unveiled

Filey has frequently been hit by flooding over the past decade

A draft strategy to try and prevent flooding in Filey was unveiled to the public at two information sessions in early November 2009.

Scarborough Borough Council organised the sessions and it has been closely involved in developing the plans with members of the Filey Flood Working Group, Filey Town Council, North Yorkshire County Council, Yorkshire Water, landowners and residents.

The proposed schemes aim to mitigate the flooding problems frequently experienced by Filey in the past few years, and in particular, the summer floods of 2002 and 2007.

Despite Filey's location it isn't water from the sea which is causing difficulties in the town but water which runs off surrounding agricultural land after heavy and sustained periods of rain.

In July of 2007 the town was badly hit by flash flooding with around 100 homes affected after a torrential downpour. In some cases the water was more than three feet deep.

Developing a strategy to try and help the town has taken more than a year and evidence gained from residents has been used to help build up a clear picture of the vulnerable areas.

The information sessions in November demonstrated the progress to date and set out future milestones, revealing plans of the proposals and the environmental enhancements that are being suggested.

Flood defences have been linked to environmental enhancements to create a scheme that will prevent flooding, which could also provide an outdoor resource for residents and visitors to Filey to enjoy.

The final strategy is due to be presented to the Environmental Agency and Natural England for funding in early 2010.