With progress on the Goole Town Deal programme now rapidly gathering pace, we take a closer look at one of the projects that’s still in its early stages:

Q: What is the Dutch River Greenway?

A: As Goole is highly vulnerable to flooding, the Environment Agency was already intending to reinforce flood defences along the Dutch River at Goole. However, a contribution from Goole Town Deal means that this work will go ahead sooner than planned and will incorporate a Greenway corridor to enable pedestrians and cyclists to enjoy the great outdoors. This sustainable travel route will extend approximately 4.7 kilometres, between Rawcliffe Bridge and Goole, and will be built alongside and on top of the Dutch River flood defences.

Q: What’s the total cost of the project?

A: Current estimates suggest that the entire project, including the flood defence refurbishment and creation of the Dutch River Greenway, will cost approximately £10.3 million in total.  This includes a contribution of £3.1 million from the Goole Town Deal programme. 

Q: Why has the Goole Town Deal Board chosen to allocate funding towards this project?

A: Goole’s flood defences provide critical protection for existing properties and infrastructure. The prosperity of the town and its future development depend on these defences. 

However, they also have an economic, social and recreational function, providing green, active travel routes to improve connectivity with employment zones and surrounding settlements, as well as improving the health and wellbeing of local people. That’s why the Goole Town Deal Board has chosen to allocate funding towards two separate but interdependent projects; the refurbishment of the Dutch River’s flood defences and the creation of the Dutch River Greenway.

The Environment Agency had already identified a need to refurbish the flood defences along the Dutch River and a technical review has confirmed the extent of the work that will be necessary. The delivery of this project was scheduled to begin in 2027 but, thanks to a £1.5 million contribution from the Goole Town Deal programme, the Environment Agency has been able to bring it forward. Work will now start on site this year, giving Goole residents and businesses greater certainty that the flood defence work will happen – and much sooner than planned! The flood defence refurbishment project is a prerequisite to the delivery of the Dutch River Greenway project and that’s what the remaining £1.6 million of Goole Town Deal funding will be spent on.

Q: What will the flood defence work entail?

A: Goole is at risk of fluvial flooding, which occurs when waterways overflow their banks into the surrounding area, and from tidal inundation, which happens during a storm surge. The town is mainly protected by raised defences, which are typically earth embankments, but problems with the condition and stability of the defences have been identified at various locations along the Dutch River. Recovery work was carried out in the area following the December 2013 tidal surge, but further investment is now required to ensure that the defences are robust enough to withstand future tidal surges and flood events, which are happening more frequently due to climate change.

Q: What will the Greenway offer?

A: The Greenway will ensure that there is a continuous and consistent route for cyclists and pedestrians to use all the way from the A161 in Goole to Rawcliffe Bridge. It will provide an attractive walking and cycling environment for a wide range of users, as well as connecting existing walking and cycling infrastructure in the area.

Q: What are the benefits of this project?

A: As Goole is located within Flood Zone 3, which means that it has the highest level of flood risk, this project will accelerate flood defence work so that residents and businesses can benefit from these defences sooner. Meanwhile, the Greenway will create a new active travel corridor, improving connectivity between Goole town centre and nearby villages, whilst also enhancing the town’s leisure offer. Encouraging walking and cycling will support wellbeing, promote healthier lifestyles and improve the health outcomes of local people.

In the longer-term, this flood defence work will also have a positive impact on business confidence, encouraging further investment in the town.

Q: Who is responsible for delivering the project?

A: This project will be delivered by the Environment Agency, working in partnership with the Goole Town Deal Board and East Riding of Yorkshire Council.

Q: How soon will the Greenway be up and running?

A: Consultation work began in the Autumn of 2023, with local residents and businesses being given an early opportunity to find out more about the project at a public exhibition hosted by the Goole Town Deal Board in November. Work is due to start on site later this year and will be completed by the end of 2025.

Q: How can I find out more about flood risk and what I can do to be prepared for flooding?

A: More than two million properties in England are at risk of flooding from rivers, seas and surface water. Rising sea levels and more frequent rain storms caused by climate change will only exacerbate the problem, but there are things you can do to help protect your property.  Find out if the area you live in is at long-term risk of flooding by clicking here and typing in your postcode.  

You can also make sure you’re aware of any forthcoming floods by signing up for free flood alerts and warnings.  You’ll need to provide your address, plus details of how you’d like to be contacted any time of the day or night, whether that’s by telephone, text or email.  Alternatively, you can also telephone Floodline on 0345 988 1188, which is a 24-hour service for flood warning information and general advice.