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Answers to flood trail questions

Location 2

* Why is it useful to have the embankment close to the houses and not the river?

This allows the river to flood over an extensive area before the water reaches the embankment

* What is the land on the riverside used for? Why is there little development here?

The land is used for recreation and as playing fields. This area is allowed to flood and so is not developed.

Location 3

* The bank is mid-way between the riverbank and the bluff- Why?

This allows a protected playing field and a flood storage area

* There is evidence here of mole and rabbit activity. Why is this a problem?

Moles and rabbits burrow, producing holes that the water can seep through leading to potential bank collapse.

* Why are the sides of this embankment gently sloping? Why not just build a wall?

A gently sloping wall is less likely to collapse under pressure, is more easily maintained, can be mown and less costly to construct.

Location 5

* What sacrifice has been made to allow for the defences?

The steps and gates will make it more difficult to launch boats. One of the boathouse gates can no longer be used at all.

* How might these defences be a target for vandals?

Vandals cover them with graffiti and use them as a means to access the roof of the building. They have also interfered with the gate locks, leading to a potential breach in the defences.

* What do the bricks, landscaping and underground steel sheeting achieve?

Bricks make the defences look more attractive; steel sheeting underground provides support for the walls and prevents underground seepage; and landscaping makes the gardens look attractive whilst being able to withstand inundation.

* Why were the floodwalls not built on the riverside?

Floodwalls are built higher up near to the houses to allow the river to flood the gardens. The gates will not need to be used as frequently.

Location 6

* How do the floodgates differ from the ones previously seen? Why?

The floodgates are higher due to the houses being lower down The gates have been placed in front of the windows so that a riverside view is maintained. The previous houses had gates in front of the door.

* These properties lost the lower part of their gardens to make the raised section of riverside walk. The stone walls and old railings were relocated. Why bother with this expense?

Railings and stone walls are part of the original design and in an historic city like York, conservation is an important issue, so worth the money to preserve them. Pedestrian access to Scarborough bridge is also maintained when the water is high but not in flood.

Location 7

* How has Marygate been defended? Where is the floodgate?

Marygate has been defended by a floodgate at the end of the road. The floodgate is buried in the road base.

* What