by James Bright
East Riding of Yorkshire Council's Howdenshire ward member, councillor Paul Robinson revealed that one year on from the June 25 flooding much has been done and most flooded residents are back in their houses, but the fear remains it could happen again.
He said: "Residents have told me they worry when they see the weather forecast or if the rain starts during the night.
"In the aftermath of the flooding a Gilberdyke Flood Action Group was set up working with the Parish Council has been successful in accessig £7,800 of Government funding through the East Riding of Yorkshire Council.
"This money is being spent on commissioning consulting engineers to: investigate and determine exactly what the drainage problems are in Gilberdyke before coming up with an action plan and recommendations to prevent future flooding in the village."
Some works and essential maintenance have been carried out on the various watercourses and drainage dykes around the village, but relevant agencies are being encouraged to adopt regular timetables for continued maintenance and improvements.
The consulting engineers have received valuable information from residents regarding the extent of the floods and layout of the drainage systems, which is intended to be used as a basis for improving the existing drainage and to reduce the risk of flooding in the future.
It is anticipated that the recommendations for future action will include the reopening of filled in dykes and watercourses particularly in Scalby Lane, Station Road, Westbrook Road/Crescent and surrounds.
The contentious issue of Riparian Ownership of dykes and watercourses will also have to be addressed.
Swinefleet resident Peter Cawkwell who has lived in Low Street for 63 years, revealed how he had to sleep upstairs in his home for two months after he was flooded.
He said: "I am afraid as far as I am concerned there has been very little done to improve the situation.
"The local drainage board spoke about digging another drain out of the village to take water away faster but I don't know what has happened with that."
He added: "Every time it rains, you ask yourself how long will it last and worry that you're going to get flooded again.
"I am certain if it rains like that again we would be flooded."