York floods latest: Roads reopen as big cleanup begins
The River Ouse in York is receding rapidly – and is expected to return to normal levels tomorrow evening (Friday).
And that means it’s cleaning time.
Crews from York City Council and the York BID (Business Improvement District) watered the waterfront areas today.
Where the waters receded, they left behind a layer of mud and silt. Vegetation from the river was washed away in some areas, such as Dame Judi Dench Walk next to Lendal Bridge.
The river still laps over the Staiths. But the water has largely disappeared from Tower Gardens. Here the sandbags and the pump have been dismantled.
And work to clean up the car park at St George’s Field – where several cars were left stranded in floodwaters – is well underway.
Skeldergate is open again and buses run along it as normal.
Cleanup is expected to continue next weekend and into next week.
“Any infrastructure damage revealed will be blocked if unsure until repaired,” a spokesperson for York City Council said.
“Part of the dismantling and cleaning work will take place early in the morning or late afternoon so as not to inconvenience people.
“With cold weather forecast for later this week, essential sandblasting and winter maintenance work could slow cleanup.”
Council leader Keith Aspden said: “Thanks to the efforts of our frontline staff, the town’s flood defenses have withstood this latest rise in river levels.
“Although we have passed the highest peak, we are aware that residents and businesses are still affected by the few road and path deviations in place. River levels and weather conditions permitting, frontline staff intend to inspect, clean and reopen them as soon as possible.
“The city continues to be open for business as usual, with access to York remaining free for residents, visitors and workers.”