York's Foss barrier lifted by EA flooding 600+ homes

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The story that changed but we were not supposed to notice
Reminiscent of the diabolical behaviour of the Environment Agency last year (failing to open sluice drains & failing to dredge, then lying again and again about it all) allowing the Somerset Levels to flood disastrously.....

Why did they open the barrier? Anger as hundreds of homes are engulfed as York is left exposed when defences were most needed
By Chris Brooke for the Daily Mail 23:34 27 Dec 2015, updated 12:22 28 Dec 2015
Around 600 homes and businesses in supposedly safe areas were flooded
Properties near the river have been saved from flooding for many years by a £3.3million barrier between the Foss and the River Ouse
But on this occasion, as river levels rose, decision was made to 'lift' barrier
Effectively removed it from city's flood defence system when most needed
Furious York residents last night demanded to know why a key flood barrier was opened, leaving swathes of the city it was built to protect under water.
Around 600 homes and businesses in supposedly safe areas of the city were flooded for the first time in decades when the River Foss burst its banks following the Boxing Day deluge.
Properties near the river have been saved from flooding for many years by a £3.3million barrier between the Foss and the River Ouse, which stops surges of floodwater from topping the river banks.
The Environment Agency said the problem was caused by the adjoining pumping station becoming 'inundated with flood water' and disabling some of the electrics inside +7
The Environment Agency said the problem was caused by the adjoining pumping station becoming 'inundated with flood water' and disabling some of the electrics inside
But on this occasion, as torrential rain caused a dramatic increase in river levels, a decision was made to 'lift' the barrier – effectively removing it from the city's flood defence system when it was most needed.
The Environment Agency said the problem was caused by the adjoining pumping station becoming 'inundated with flood water' and disabling some of the electrics inside. These control the barrier and pumps to contain river levels at times of a flood
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3375775/Why-did-open-barrier-A nger-hundreds-homes-engulfed-York-city-left-exposed.html


York flooding: Now is not the time to question Foss Barrier decision, says council leader
An army chinook helicopter airlifts equipment needed to repair the Foss Barrier on the River Foss in York following the weekend flooding.Picture: Anna Gowthorpe/PA Wire
An army chinook helicopter airlifts equipment needed to repair the Foss Barrier on the River Foss in York following the weekend flooding.Picture: Anna Gowthorpe/PA Wire
LINDSAY PANTRY 14:56Monday 28 December 2015
THE leader of York Council has said the time to question whether the decision to open flood defences will come in future weeks and months - with efforts now concentrated on helping those affected by flooding.
After flood water rushed into the engine room at the Foss Barrier on Sunday, the Environment Agency (EA) made the decision to open the defence scheme, sending water coursing through the city streets.
Engineers and army personnel work to repair the River Foss barrier in York. Picture: Anna Gowthorpe/PA Wire
Engineers and army personnel work to repair the River Foss barrier in York. Picture: Anna Gowthorpe/PA Wire
The leader of York Council, Coun Chris Steward told the Yorkshire Post that decision meant that areas that would have ordinarily been protected were flooded.
“The Environment Agency did not want the barrier to lock in place. They didn’t deploy the barrier, which meant areas that would normally be protected were flooded, such as Huntingdon Road, Yearsley Crescent and Foss Island....
http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/york-flooding-now-is-not-the-time- to-question-foss-barrier-decision-says-council-leader-1-7645490

[Whitehall_Bin_Men]

Here's the original story

A Severe Flood Warning has been issued for the River Foss due to rising river levels. Because of water entering the Foss Barrier building the pumps are in danger of failing due to electrical failure. The decision has been taken to lift the Foss Barrier as if it fails in the down position water will be unable to discharge into the River Ouse.
The immediate area at risk is the city centre and areas of Huntington, Tang Hall, Osbaldwick and Foss Islands. The Groves, Layerthorpe and York City Centre.
Areas to the east of St Nicholas fields between Melrosegate and Tang Hall Lane along Osbaldwick Beck to Osbaldwick Village.
Tang Hall Beck at York - Beckside Properties. James Street Travellers Site, Fifth Ave. and Tang Hall Bridge. Harington Ave, Abbotsford Road, Millfield Ave, Millfield Lane, Tuke Ave and Osbaldwick Village.
People in these areas should start to move valuables to upper floors and be prepared to be evacuated. Please listen to media, local radio for updates and any instructions issued by emergency services.
http://www.minsterfm.com/news/local/1835183/floods---saturday---pictur es--audio---severe-flood-warnings-in-york/