Call for Humber communities to give views on tidal flood risk

The Humber 2100+ partnership – made up of 12 local authorities, the Environment Agency and the Humber LEP – are working together to come up with a new approach to managing tidal flood risk around the estuary and on the tidal rivers upstream, such as the River Hull and the Holderness Drain.

They want to understand how people in the area feel about tidal flooding and how it can best be managed, and are also keen to understand what people value in their local area and would like to see protected or taken into account as part of the new strategy.

Tidal flood risk on and around the Humber is currently managed through an existing strategy, published in 2008, which will see £150m invested in new or improved flood management schemes by 2021. However, the time is right to review the approach to ensure that all communities around the estuary can continue to prosper in the face of increased tidal flood risk due to sea level rise and climate change.

The Humber 2100+ project team is currently undertaking technical work to look at what is possible in terms of practicality, value for money and environmental considerations. However, they also want to know what people living and working in the area would like to see. All of this information will be brought together next year to develop initial options, and then a public consultation will be held to allow people to comment on the emerging proposals.

Environment Agency Humber Strategy Manager Philip Winn said: “Tidal flooding can have an effect on businesses, agriculture, communities and the local environment, as we saw in December 2013, when 1,100 properties were flooded and there was huge damage around the estuary.

“It’s one the biggest risks faced by people living on the very flat and vulnerable land around the Humber, so we want to involve as many people as possible in shaping the new strategy so that it truly provides a solution for all.

“This public survey is the first stage in gathering input from others, and there will be more opportunities to comment as we develop our plans.”

Councillor Chris Matthews, East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s portfolio holder for strategic management, said:

It is important East Riding residents who live near the Humber Estuary take part in this survey as it will help to inform us how aware people are of the risks of tidal flooding, how prepared they are if flooding occurs, and therefore what more we need to do as a partnership.

Although we are working on a number of tidal flood defence schemes and other measures which will reduce the risk of flooding, we can never prevent flooding altogether, so we need to make sure residents are as informed and prepared as possible.

Mike Thompson, portfolio holder for neighbourhoods, communities and environment, said:

Hull has made an incredible amount of progress in terms of building a flood resilient city, but there is always more that can be done. This is why we want to hear your views.

Hull has the second-highest number of properties at flood risk in the UK outside of London, with 98 per cent of the city defined as at “high risk” of flooding. This risk will only increase with climate change and sea level rise, and your input into how we shape our future plans is crucial.

Cllr Stewart Swinburn, portfolio holder for environment at North East Lincolnshire Council, said:

Being situated on the coast brings with it lots of pros and cons.

Unfortunately we have seen the impact that flooding can have on areas in and around North East Lincolnshire. Tidal flooding can give little or no warning, and can damage or destroy property and businesses so it’s important that local people have their say on these plans.

It could be your house or business that is damaged, so don’t miss your chance to shape this 100 year strategy.

Cllr Chris McGuinness, Doncaster Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities, the Voluntary Sector and Environment, said:

I encourage residents living in Barnby Dun, Moorends, Stainforth, Sykehouse and Thorne, where there is a potential tidal flood risk, and any other interested people, to find out more about the strategy and have their say.

You can fill out the survey here

More information about the Humber 2100+ partnership and the new Humber Strategy can be found here

To check if you are at risk of flooding, and find out how to prepare, visit