East Riding of Yorkshire Council is appealing for information to help find the owners of around 20 sunken or abandoned boats along the River Hull, as part of the multi-agency River Hull Integrated Catchment Strategy.
A study has identified that the vessels within the river channel are contributing to an increased level of flood risk to the local community.
The council is working with the Environment Agency to identify the owners in order to advise them on next steps. Owners are advised to make themselves known to the council as early as a possible, as a limited amount of funding is to be made available to assist owners with removal of these vessels.
Dave Waudby, head of infrastructure and facilities at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said:
“The strategy aims to improve drainage and reduce the risk of flooding in the River Hull Valley, an area of populace and economic importance.
“A survey of the area was undertaken and large volumes of silt and other obstructions were identified under the water line. This causes problems with the flow of the river and increases the risk of flooding in surrounding areas.
“To progress with our programme of works, we need to go through the process of trying to identify the owners of the sunken/abandoned boats in order to get them removed. We would urge anyone with any helpful information to contact us.”
The River Hull Advisory Board, of which the council is a member, consulted on proposals for a £45 million plan to reduce flood risk to residents and businesses in Hull and the East Riding over the next six years.
The preferred option includes removing the sunken boats and dredging the river, along with increased pumping and measures at the river mouth to reduce the effect of the tide.
The owners of the vessels or anybody with further information are encouraged to contact the council’s flood risk management team, as soon as possible, on (01482) 395656/395646 or email fcerm@eastriding.gov.uk
