North Yorkshire Council Requests Government Funds for Flood Prevention

North Yorkshire Council has submitted a request to the government for additional financial support to implement a flood prevention initiative, prompted by the destruction caused by Storm Darragh. Earlier this month, extensive rainfall and powerful winds resulted in hundreds of properties across various towns and villages within the county experiencing flooding and power outages. The local authority stated its application for £350,000 from the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) aims to safeguard residences against subsequent storms and adverse weather conditions. Councillor Keane Duncan indicated that a key priority involves assisting Kirbymoorside and its adjacent localities, where 50 properties were inundated. Speaking to the BBC, he affirmed: “The council is contributing £100,000 and we’re bidding for £350,000 from Defra, and we’re also bidding for £480,000 from the regional flooding and coastal committee as well.” Duncan further stated that 120 properties in North Yorkshire are poised to benefit from this initiative, having been identified as vulnerable in locations such as Kirbymoorside, Kirby Mills, Gilling East, and Helmsley, with installations anticipated to commence in April or May. Duncan expressed the council’s optimism regarding its capacity to allocate approximately £7,000 per property for the installation of flood prevention and mitigation measures. He further remarked: “There will be an array of different measures that will make people have the peace of mind if and when they need the best possible protection.” The councillor indicated that the authority anticipates receiving information regarding the allocated funds early in 2025. Earlier this year, the government announced its commitment to invest £5.2 billion in flood and coastal erosion projects throughout England from 2021 to 2027.