Posted on March 7, 2016
THE River Freshney will not be dredged as the river bed has only risen by 5cm in the last 37 years, according to Environment Agency chiefs.
A survey of the channel by experts found only a slight rise since 1978, which they say would not create any extra flood risk, meaning extra money will not be allocated for work.
It comes after a petition was handed to the council six months ago by resident Irene Layton, calling for a major clean-up to stop the river becoming an “ugly eyesore” and a flooding disaster waiting to happen.
She told a full meeting of North East Lincolnshire Council that urgent action was needed, saying the river was in the “worst state I have ever seen”.
But dredging has been ruled out by the Environment Agency bosses, it was revealed ahead of a meeting of the council’s Regeneration, Environment and Housing Scrutiny Panel.
Mrs Layton, 78, said she was disappointed to hear no dredging would take place.
“It’s a load of rubbish,” she said. “When I was growing up you could look over the edge and you couldn’t see the bottom, now you can.
“It needs doing. It’s OK them saying it doesn’t but it does. A few weeks back some kids managed to get one of the bollards from Boulevard Avenue and they slung it in the river.
“The EA came down but they couldn’t fish it out. It’s still there as far as I know.
“They skimmed the silt off the top but they will not take the reeds from our side, saying it’s because of the wildlife.
“Well, the only wildlife you can see is rats.”
A briefing to panel members ahead of the March 8 meeting said site visits held in October 2015 and February 2016 between the council and Environment Agency had seen many concerns addressed.
The river is currently protected against flooding for an event with a 1 per cent annual probability of occurrence (1 in 100 chance).
This is due to the construction of the Freshney flood alleviation scheme which provides a flood storage area near to the Willows estate upstream of the Duke Of York Gardens.
The river is inspected annually and there are weekly blockage checks to ensure that debris is not preventing the flow of water and causing a flood risk, said the EA, adding that the organisation is ready to respond to issues in an emergency situation.
Some material from the riverbed was raked clear in November 2015.
The council also inspects the area weekly so that any problems can be spotted and resolved, said council documents.
Concerns over the presence of rats around the river was put down to litter, while two overhanging trees on the south side of the island were removed over winter following concerns.
A third tree with branches overhanging into the water and near to the footpath will be removed at the end of 2016.
Green Futures has agreed to carry out some maintenance near to the river.
The council said: “Every possible effort is made with the resources available to keep the area looking tidy and attractive for residents and visitors.
“However, there is an ongoing problem with the build-up of litter soon after it has been cleared by the council.
“The ideal solution would be for visitors to the area to be more responsible with their litter and not dump rubbish.”
The matter will be discussed at the next meeting on March 8.
