East and West Cowick flooding

Emergency services have been working to prevent homes and businesses flooding in East Yorkshire after a canal burst its bank.

Water was flowing into fields near East and West Cowick on Sunday evening (20/12/20) which were badly hit by flooding earlier this year after heavy rainfall.

There are currently no reports of any properties being flooded this time.

The Canal & River Trust say water levels have dropped down and the fields have nearly fully drained.

The helicopter's now arrived to help:

We spoke to Reverend Eleanor Robertshaw from Snaith:

Darren Downs, chief superintendent at Humberside Police, said:

"Given the flooding incident that affected this area earlier in the year, we fully appreciate the concerns of local people and I would like to reassure residents and businesses that all partners involved will continue to have staff, equipment and resources on site for as long as is needed to respond to this incident.

"While flood warnings remain in place, the risk of flooding to properties has reduced. We will continue to monitor the situation overnight and will provide further updates to ensure residents are fully informed as work progresses."

Brigg and Goole MP Andrew Percy was on the scene on Sunday:

A helicopter is waiting to arrive to drop stone bags into the breach.

Local MP Andrew Percy said:

"The bad news is that due to the fog the helicopter has not been able to take off yet. If the fog clears the helicopter is only about 15 mins away.

"Aggregate is presently arriving to help with the Plan B which is to construct a track in to the breach. This will take longer but is being done just in case the helicopter can't get here today or tomorrow.

"The flow out of the breach has reduced and the canal level is now apparently below the level of the reservoir weir that serves the canal, meaning the flow should continue to reduce."

John Ward, head of project delivery for the Canal and River Trust said:

"Once we’ve put the stone in, we will then come along with our barges and deposit the clay which will form a waterproof seal. This will protect the canal and secure it for the short term.

"We can then relax for Christmas and come back in the new year to investigate what caused the problem and start thinking about a permanent solution."

The Council says that whilst no properties have been flooded and water levels have stabilised, if needed, they've put contingency plans in place for the provision of a rest centre and transport. Contingency plans are also being put in place to ensure the safety of vulnerable residents in the area and they will be contacted by the council directly.

East Riding of Yorkshire Council updates can be seen here.

Brigette Giles, head of digital, change and technology at East Riding of Yorkshire Council and emergency control centre manager, said:

"The council and its partners will remain on the scene for as long as is needed in order to support our residents and businesses."

Keep up to date with the flood warnings here.