Protecting our city

More than £30 million is being spent on improving Hull's flood defences.
Flood defence work, being carried out over two years, includes extensive gully cleaning as well as increasing the capacity of east and west Hull pumping stations.
It will also include improvements to flood warning systems and could include the building of flood water holding areas known as 'aqua greens'.
But council leaders say more money will be needed, especially because more flooding is expected in the future due to climate change.
"We cannot stop flooding completely, but we can limit the extent of any damage and speed up the time it takes to recover," says Hull City Council chief executive Kim Ryley.
"Funding from the government to help us turn plans into action is still an issue.
"The city of Hull, with its expanding port and key industries, is a valuable national asset, and should be a priority for investment in better flood defences."
Meanwhile, flood defence work being carried out in Hull is the focus of a United Nations study and may be used as a model for other parts of the world.
The £30 million programme, which is based on recommendations in the government's Pitt Review, is being led by Hull City Council together with partners including Yorkshire Water, the Environment Agency and East Riding of Yorkshire Council.
Together these partners make up the Integrated Strategic Flood Management Partnership.
The Hull floods of June 2007 were caused by freak rainfall and caused flooding in more than 9,000 homes.
Ninety one of the city's 99 schools were affected and 1,300 businesses were disrupted.

For information about protecting your home from flooding visit www.hullcc.gov.uk