The Environment Agency has released further details for three sections of its £45m York Flood Alleviation Scheme and is holding a public event to provide more information and get feedback on the proposals.

As well as the work the Environment Agency is doing on the Clementhorpe, New Walk and North Street sections of the £45 million York Flood Alleviation Scheme, and the River Foss catchment, the Agency is developing plans for the sections that run from York Ring Road at Rawcliffe to Lendal Bridge.

This stretch is split into three sections: the ring road to Clifton Bridge; then to Scarborough Bridge; and then to Lendal Bridge.

Environment Agency project manager for the work, Richard Lever, said the middle section of the three, Clifton Bridge to Scarborough Bridge, would be the area the Agency will progress flood defence works first.

Options include raising an existing flood wall and the embankment at the back of schools’ playing fields, as well as extending the embankment.

Plans also include upgrading the pumping capacity at Burdyke pumping station, which is situated in the middle of the open area between the two bridges. The dike is culverted from near Clifton Backies to where it enters the Ouse.

The proposals will be on display for a further four weeks for members of the public to provide feedback.

Richard Lever added that the section from the ring road to Clifton Bridge would be a major part of the project.

Clifton Ings and Rawcliffe Meadows is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and includes important grasslands, the tansy beetle, bats and newts.

The Environment Agency is currently involved in discussions with key partners, including Natural England, Sustrans and Friends of Rawcliffe Meadows, about how to minimise the impact on the habitat, cause the least inconvenience while work is being undertaken and maintain amenities when work is complete. Dependent on the discussions, The Agency is aiming to submit the planning permission for this section before the end of the year.