Have your say at flooding summit

Thursday, September 04, 2008, 07:00

Residents are to get the chance to show their opposition to controversial proposals which could see large areas of East Yorkshire unprotected from flooding.

People will be able to voice their concerns over the Environment Agency plans at a public meeting.

It comes as opposition to the strategy on managing the risk of flooding around the Humber Estuary is mounting.

The region's politicians have criticised the proposals, including Beverley and Holderness MP Graham Stuart, who is to apply for a special Parliamentary debate on the issue once the House of Commons resumes.

Under the agency's plans, up to 2,000 homes could be left unprotected from rising sea levels in areas including Easington, Sunk Island, Hessle, North Ferriby and Brough, with the maintenance of some defences withdrawn.

Mr Stuart said: "These residents have effectively been abandoned by the Government and they are understandably frightened about what is going to happen to their properties in the future."

The public meeting, organised by Mr Stuart, will be addressed by Philip Winn Humber Strategic manager at the Environment Agency and attended by Ed Davey, National Farmers' Union (NFU) secretary for Holderness, and deputy leader of East Riding Council Councillor Jonathan Owen.

David Davis, MP for Haltemprice and Howden, has also expressed concerns about the plans and backed the East Riding Council's opposition to the proposals.

He said: "I am especially concerned at what impact these proposals could have on my constituents in places such as North Ferriby, many of whom have contacted me very concerned about these proposals."

Mr Winn said: "We are keen to work with the communities that are affected and are happy to discuss the strategy with residents."

The meeting will take place at Hedon Town Hall on Wednesday, October 29, from 6.30pm to 8pm.