Public drop-in for Pickering plans

September 22, 2009

More details of innovative methods which could cut flood risk in Pickering and Sinnington will be unveiled in the town later this month

A drop-in event for residents, landowners and community groups will give them the chance to find out about proposals under the theme of “Slowing the Flow at Pickering”.

The two-year pilot project aims to demonstrate how land management techniques, such as tree planting and blocking forest and moorland drainage channels, can be used to help reduce flood risk.

These measures will slow down the rate at which water falling as rain on the hills and moors above Pickering and Sinnington ends up in watercourses running through the communities, and will bring additional benefits for wildlife, and water and soil quality.

The project is a partnership between organisations including Forest Research, the Forestry Commission, the Environment Agency, Durham University, the North York Moors National Park Authority and Natural England.

The drop-in event will take place at Pickering Memorial Hall on Monday, 28 September, between 2pm and 7.30pm.

Programme manager Simon Marrington and other members of the project team will be available to talk about proposals and to answer questions.

The informal event will include two brief presentations, at 3pm and 7pm, and visitors are welcome to attend at any time.

“We want to know how people wish to be represented and how they want to be kept up-to-date with progress,” said Simon.

“Visitors can view displays about the project and the team working on the pilot will be able to answer questions and give more details about the work being planned.”