Multimillion Humber flood defence upgrades begin

The third phase of the Stallingborough Sea Defence Improvement Scheme will see the Environment Agency make improvements to 4.5km of coastal defences along part of the estuary’s south bank. Large rocks known as ‘rock armour’ will be placed along 3km of the seaward side of the flood defence, from the Humber’s Middle Drain to the New Cut Drain.

The remaining 1.5km of defences will be repaired, with the four river outfalls also improved to make them more sustainable and resilient to flooding. Set to be installed over the next three years, it’s claimed the new defences will benefit 2,300 properties, as well as nationally important infrastructure and industry. According to Dom Freestone, operations manager for the Environment Agency, the climate-driven change in sea levels has made the upgrades more pressing.

“Low-lying communities along the Humber are at high risk of tidal flooding and rising sea levels,” said

“Works to improve the flood defences are vital to manage that threat and will help drive business confidence and investment in the area. But despite our best efforts, flooding can still happen. That’s why we urge people to prepare and plan for the worst, including by signing up to receive flood warnings by visiting gov.uk.”