City of York Council is starting construction of a new flood pumping station, which will form an integral part of the Elvington Flood Alleviation Scheme.

The pumping station will divert Elvington Beck through the Environment Agency’s defences when the River Derwent is in flood, to significantly reduce the risk of flooding to the village from the Beck. 

Funding for the work has been through a pioneering partnership involving the parish council, City of York Council, the Environment Agency, and local businesses and individuals.

Once the work has been completed, the Ouse and Derwent Internal Drainage Board will take over the running and maintenance of the station.

Work will start on Monday 3 September, and will take approximately seven weeks to complete. The Environment Agency will then complete the work to their their flood defence bank.

Residents in the immediate vicinity of the works have received a letter explaining the details of the scheme. Pedestrian access past the works will be maintained at all times.

The pumping station will be built by JN Bentley of Skipton, and will complete the long-awaited flood defences, which earlier in the year won the Environmental Project of the Year award.