A new survey of the River Hull has revealed greater problems being caused by abandoned boats than was previously thought.
The survey was carried out by East Riding Council using underwater sonar equipment attached to a vessel.
Council leader Stephen Parnaby said; "The survey found things were much worse than we previously thought. In some places, almost a third of he river was blocked."
He was responding to a full council question tabled by Councillor Dominic Peacock, who is calling on more action from the Environment Agency over the issue of sunken wrecks on the river between Beverley Lock and Tickton Bridge.
Cllr Parnaby said the agency had resisted calls to clear the river following the 2007 floods, claiming it was unnecessary because it was not regarded as a flood risk. He said: "Given its state now, I think there is a pressing need to take action and I am also pleased to see dredging back on the agenda nationally."
He said the council had set aside some funding to met any request from the agency if it was needed for clearance work.
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