Flood defence scheme should provide assurance to tenants of Humberston's Wilton Road trading estate

On site tree expert will monitor welfare of trees during flood defence project

A FLOOD barrier is to be installed along a stretch of the Wilton Road trading estate in Humberston in order to provide better protection from risk of the adjacent Buck Beck flooding.

There is an existing concrete block wall situated on the south-east bank of the beck, but an engineering report suggests that this "may not be relied upon due to its condition".

On behalf of the Environment Agency, the work will be carried out by contractors Arup.

There is a complication because this strip earmarked for the works is home to a row of rare black poplars - the species that features in John Constable's famous painting, The Haywain.

However, although some root pruning may be required, every effort will be made to safeguard the trees which are an important part of the street scene. 

A report states: "The line of  trees along Buck Beck is a feature in the landscape being seen from Hewitt's Avenue as the backdrop to Tesco's Superstore and industrial units on Wilton Road. 

"The trees also provide a strong visible feature from Humberston Road, particularly The Pear Tree public house. 

"A supervising arborist will be on site at all times to oversee the excavation works and ensure there is no unnecessary root damage. 

"The method statement is clear that the pruning of roots with a diameter greater than 25mm will require the agreement of both the supervising arborist and North East Lincolnshire Council's  trees officer, Paul Chaplin."

It is understood Mr Chaplin will make a site visit once a day in order to liaise with the supervising arborist and monitor the works in progress.

The project will be undertaken near the Robert Abey furniture showroom and should provide reassurance both to this firm and to others with premises on the trading estate.