Burstwick Drain set for dredging trial
Despite calls from landowners and farmers to dredge the waterways, the Environment Agency has always refused, claiming such work is expensive and waterways would soon silt up again.
But last year it bowed to pressure and agreed to carry out the pilot scheme as a way of helping to prevent future flooding.
A meeting will take place with the dredging steering group, which includes local residents and Environment Agency officials, on Friday.
Hull strategy manager Helen Todd said: "We have considered Ellerker Drain, the River Hull and Burstwick Drain, with Burstwick the steering group's preferred option.
"It won't simply be a case of dredging, we will also look at bank management such as grass and tree cutting.
"Hopefully, an agreement will be reached at the meeting and the aim is to start as soon as possible, hopefully by the summer."
Those in favour of dredging argue it increases the capacity of waterways, allowing more water to be diverted from land and into the sea.
Martin Voase, of the River Hull Flood Action Group, said: "The steering group feels that because it is a relatively small test Burstwick Drain would be the best area.
"This will give us the best idea of what effect dredging will have."
The move comes as the Agency launched its public consultation into flood management plans in East Yorkshire.
Proposals have already proved controversial, such as sacrificing almost 3,000 acres of land at Leven Carrs by closing pumping stations to form a new flood plain, which have since been shelved.