Flooding Update: Julian meets with Environment Minister at Foss Barrier
December 29, 2015
Julian today visited the Foss Barrier with the Environment Minister Rory Stewart and Council Leader Chris Steward as vital engineering work continues.
Emergency work on the Foss Barrier has now reinstated four pumps, which will allow the barrier to drain water more quickly from the River Foss. Emergency services, the armed forces and Environment Agency staff have all been working around the clock to get the pumps back online after high river levels flooded the pump room and affected the power system.
A Chinook helicopter was used to drop portable power generators onto the barrier’s roof last night. As well as providing power for the pumps, the barrier mechanism is now back in use. The Environment Agency and the military are now working hard to set up more generators to reinstate power to the remaining four pumps.
Following his meeting with the Environment Minister Rory Stewart at the Foss Barrier, Julian welcomed the progress that has been made. He said “It is reassuring that the Barrier is now up and running again, and I know work is progressing to get the rest of the pumps operational. I cannot thank the professionalism and hard work of the emergency services enough for doing everything they can to protect local residents”.
“The Minister has assured me that the Government will do whatever it takes to help York communities rebuild and it was announced yesterday that local residents and businesses will receive up to £5,000 each to help them get back on their feet. It is essential that the funds are made available as quickly as possible so that people can get back into their homes and reopen their businesses without delay”.
With between two and four centimetres of rain forecast for tomorrow, Julian has urged his constituents to exercise caution. Please continue to monitor the news on BBC Radio York and the Environment Agency’s Website. To check the flood risk in your area please call the 24-hour flood line on 0345 988 1188. Alternatively, to check the latest updates from the Environment Agency please click the following link: https://www.gov.uk/check-if-youre-at-risk-of-flooding
If Julian can be of assistance in any way, please do not hesitate to contact him on Julian.Sturdy.MP@Parliament.uk
Pictured: Julian Sturdy MP, Environment Minister Rory Stewart MP, and Leader of the City of York Council Cllr Chris Steward with engineers from the Environment Agency
