06/02/2006 - Major flood alleviation works are due to start in February in the centre of Selby, and the Environment Agency is holding a drop-in day for the public to learn more. The event runs from 10am to 3pm on Monday February 13 at Selby Library, 52 Micklegate, Selby, and local residents and businesses are encouraged to come along to view the plans and ask questions.

The work is the latest phase of the £13 million flood alleviation works which will reduce the risk of flooding to 2,800 homes and businesses. They are expected to last until the end of the year.

The impending phase of the work will run from Selby Toll Bridge, past Westmill Foods to Bank House Farm, and will be very visible in the centre of Selby.

Visitors to the drop-in event will be able to get information on how the construction works will affect them and their homes, and on any traffic disruption that may occur. Environment Agency staff will be on hand to answer questions throughout the day.

The work follows a long history of flooding in Selby and Barlby, which were very badly hit in 2000. It will strengthen and improve some of the lower sections of the flood defences throughout the town. The overall scheme began in 2004, and is due to be completed in 2007.

Ian Cooke of the Environment Agency said: “There’ll be some major work going on in the centre of Selby over the next 10 months, and we’re trying to keep residents and businesses informed, in case they need to make alternative travel or delivery arrangements for example.

“Some defences such as flood banks and walls as will be raised and in other areas new defences are being built. Some existing defences will be moved back and replaced to increase the amount of water that the river channel can hold in a flood.

“There’ll also be visual improvements to the river frontage through the town, including the installation of an 'ampitheatre' for open air events in the Memorial Gardens.”

For anyone who is unable to attend the drop-in day, a fact sheet on the scheme will be available in Selby library after the event or by post from the Environment Agency. A series of fact sheets on each phase is also being produced and will be available as a series shortly.

For copies of the fact sheet please call Di Keal on 01904 825810, or write to Di Keal, Flood Incident Management, Coverdale House, Amy Johnson Way, Clifton Moor, York YO30 4GZ.