People in the Leeman Road area of York are to be asked to tell the Environment Agency about their experience of flooding in the local area, to help to provide a better understanding of the issues.

The Environment Agency is holding a drop-in session next week to provide an update on the progress of proposals for the Water End Flood Alleviation Scheme.

Water End and the surrounding area have a long history of localised flooding from the River Ouse, causing disruption to homes and businesses. Flood defences were built in the early 1980s, reducing the risk to more than 500 properties. This was one of the first schemes built to reduce the flood risk in York, and was known as the Leeman Road scheme.

Severe flooding on the Ouse occurred in 2000 and the existing defences were nearly overtopped, with sandbags being needed to add height to the defences to prevent flooding. The flood risk is likely to increase with climate change.

In very high flood events, suspected seepage from the existing flood bank has been seen in the cul-de-sac near the junction of Salisbury Road and Water End. Surface water also contributes to flooding of the area and, during extreme conditions, pumps have been needed to keep water levels down.

The Environment Agency’s project manager for the scheme, Bethany Gardner, said:

“Flood risk is likely to increase with climate change and we want to listen to local people’s experiences of flooding, hear their ideas on what can be done, and understand any other concerns they may have.