York: Fears for city as funding cuts force review of flooding defences

A review of York’s flood defences is under way as concerns grow that the city could be put at risk by multi-million pound cuts in government funding – reports the Yorkshire Post.

The Environment Agency is currently battling to make multi-million pound cuts to meet government deadlines.

York Council has launched the review of contingency plans put in place in the wake of the 2000 disaster to ensure the flood-prone city is adequately protected while having to contend with the planning financial cuts.

The River Ouse burst its banks earlier this month following torrential downpours and parts of the city remained under water this week.

Chairman of the council’s scrutiny management committee Madeleine Kirk said: "There is a financial crisis in Westminster and vital defences in York look as though they could be put at risk. We can only hope that any reduction in funding does not have disastrous consequences for the people of York."

"It seems ludicrous that at a time when we are being warned of the danger of global warming the government is looking to reduce funding for flood prevention."