For centuries, flooding around the River Hull has been a major issue. The problems of flooding of the land adjacent to the river were addressed by the construction of catchwater drains to both sides of it, and an Act of Parliament to authorise the work was passed on 5 April 1764. The scheme would protect 11,000 acres of low-lying land to the north of Hull.
The flooding in 2007 was a once-in-a-century event caused essentially by flash flooding, although flooding in more recent years is more complex. Already saturated land cannot drain adequately, particularly following storms in November 2023 and in January 2024.
What I've Done
In 2016, Graham set up the River Hull Advisory Board, which developed a strategy for the management and maintenance of the River Hull. The board included representatives from The National Farmers Union, Environment Agency, East Riding of Yorkshire Council, Natural England, The Internal Drainage Boards, Yorkshire Water and the local community.
Graham has also worked tirelessly with MPs from across the Humber region to secure additional funding to help protect local residents from the devastating effects of flooding and tidal surges. Along with 12 local authorities around the Humber, the Humber LEP and the Environment Agency; Graham helped ensure the creation of the Humber Flood Risk Management Strategy in 2008.
The £45 million River Hull Integrated Catchment Strategy was adopted in the summer of 2015. As well as implementing a strategic approach to managing the risk of flooding, the strategy resulted in over £150 million of investment into flood defences. Key aspects of the programme included removing sunken vessels to improve water flow, raising the river banks at key points and upgrading a number of pumping stations. The biggest project involved modifying the use of the Tidal Barrier in Hull. Graham chaired the River Hull Board until autumn 2016, when it disbanded.
However, following further flooding in November 2019 and into early 2020, and continued concern from locals over the condition of the River Hull, and surrounding drains and pumping stations, Graham instigated the re-creation of the Board.
What I'll do next
