Doncaster flood defence work 'nearing completion'

The strengthening work being carried out on Doncaster's flood defences is nearing completion, it has been revealed.

Around £2 million is being spent to improve the area and protect more than 3,000 properties.

Defences were weakened in 2007 after 80mm of rain fell in just 16 hours over parts of South Yorkshire.

The River Don rose to the highest levels ever recorded, causing damage to some of the older defences and filling the area's washlands to capacity.

Environment Agency protection officer James Mead commented: "After the flooding we assessed all the defences and this project will ensure they carry on doing their job for many years to come. We are grateful to residents for their co-operation and patience during construction."

In related news, local residents in Thirsk are being asked to put their views forward on a proposed flood defence scheme for the town.

The area was flooded in November 2000 and June 2005.

Written by Claire Manning