A CANAL burst its banks in East Yorkshire yesterday - causing the flooding of several fields near East Cowick and West Cowick.

Sandbagging of adjacent properties and pumping operations went on throughout the night and water levels have stabilised. No properties have been flooded.

The area was badly hit by flooding earlier this year.

The Environment Agency has issued three flood warnings for the area, which remain in place.

Staff from the Canal and River Trust – which manage the affected part of the Aire and Calder canal – are being supported on site by East Riding of Yorkshire Council, Humberside Police, Humberside Fire and Rescue, the Environment Agency, Snaith & Cowick Town Council and the Internal Drainage Board.

Today’s operations will focus on plugging the breach using bags of aggregate and clay. The bags will be delivered by helicopter, which has been determined to be the most efficient way to complete the repair work and stabilise the bank.

Additional pumps from the Environment Agency are en-route to support operations.

A strategy is being considered in order to make best use of pumping equipment, once the breach has been filled.

Partners are also working with the operators of Goole Docks and Goole Marina to help stabilise water levels.

Darren Downs, chief superintendent at Humberside Police, said: “Partners from across the Humber Local Resilience Forum are working together to respond to this incident and we will continue to provide regular updates to ensure residents are fully informed.

“Given the flooding incident that affected this area earlier in the year, we fully appreciate the concerns of local people and I would like to reassure residents and businesses that all partners will continue to have staff, equipment and resources on site for as long as is needed to respond to this incident.”

Whilst no properties have been flooded and water levels have stabilised, if needed, East Riding of Yorkshire Council has put contingency plans in place for the provision of a rest centre and transport. Contingency plans are also being put in place to ensure the safety of vulnerable residents in the area and they will be contacted by the council directly.

Brigette Giles, head of digital, change and technology at East Riding of Yorkshire Council and emergency control centre manager, said: “The council and its partners have been on the scene since yesterday and have worked throughout the night in response to this incident.

“Staff and equipment is on-hand and plans have been drawn up to plug the breach using bags of aggregate and these will be delivered by helicopter for efficiency.

“The council and its partners are looking to deploy further pumping assets to the area in order to reduce flood waters and defend properties, if needed.

“This is a challenging situation, but we will do all we can for as long as is needed in order to support our residents and businesses.”