Environment Agency staff tackle river blockages (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Environment Agency staff tackle river blockages

9:56am Friday 10th February 2012 in Aire Valley

Staff from the Environment Agency are tackling blockages along 2,300 kilometres of Yorkshire’s rivers as part of their annual clear-up to reduce flooding.

They will be walking the banks to inspect the watercourses, looking for the kind of objects that could cause flooding.

Rivers such as the Aire will be checked as well as the majority of smaller and lesser known rivers and tributaries.

The hazards can be natural ones, such as fallen trees that have been washed downstream, and sometimes they are man-made problems such as abandoned vehicles or fly-tipped waste like fridges and furniture.

Peter Holmes, operations delivery manager at the Environment Agency, said: “Sometimes we can clear blockages easily from the bank, but there are lots of other things that need more time and care.

“And we always find shopping trolleys.”

And Mr Holmes is asking the public to help out.

He said: “The build-up of waste in our rivers is not just unsightly, it can also greatly increase the risk of flooding.

“We can all do our bit by disposing of waste correctly, but if people do spot large obstructions that could result in flooding they can ring our incident hotline on 0800 807060.”