Flooding clean up begins in York as river levels steady

City of York Council have begun clean-up operations on roads which can safely re-open, while maintaining the flood defences

Author: Edward BreslinPublished 24th Jan 2021

Frontline teams from the City of York Council have begun covid-safe clean-up operations on roads which can safely reopen, while continuing the work to maintain the flood defences.

They say once it's safe to do so, they'll reopen closed roads and safe and begin to clean them.

Fordlands Road has now reopened with the pedestrian bridge staying in place and Huntington Road has already reopened and is cleaned.

Meanwhile regular cleaning operations are in place in areas including near the pumps at Tower Street.

Currently closed are riverside paths in the city including Terry Avenue and the Millennium Bridge.

Residents are being reminded not to walk or cycle through flood water.

Meanwhile, roads still closed (as of Saturday afternoon) are:

• Clementhorpe – closed at Terry Avenue junction.

• Main Street, Nether Poppleton

• Naburn Lane in Naburn

• Acaster Lane in Acaster Malbis

• Skeldergate with bus services diverted via Tower Street

• Knavesmire Road

Esplanade and St. George’s Field car parks remain closed.

City of York Council are reminding people of the dangers of flood water, they say:

• Six inches of fast-flowing water can knock over an adult and two feet of water can move a car

• Don’t walk, cycle or drive through it: it can have hidden hazards

• Keep children and vulnerable people away from it

• Wash your hands thoroughly if you touch it.

If you have to clear up after flood water from your gardens or outbuildings, please follow the advice at www.york.gov.uk/FloodAdvice .

Executive member for environment and climate change, Cllr Paula Widdowson, said:

“Even though river levels are dropping, they are still high and we will keep sandbags in place and keep the pumps running as necessary. Our gritting teams will be out this frosty weekend and please look out for ice when you’re out on your covid-safe, socially-distanced daily exercise.

“I’m sure you’d want to join me in thanking those teams who are working 24/7 in a covid-safe manner and who continue to monitor the rivers closely with partners including the Environment Agency, North Yorkshire Police and Fire and Rescue services. They continue to help protect us.”

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