Two councils which are conducting studies into flood alleviation techniques have been given a funding boost from the Environment Agency.

Hull and East Yorkshire councils have received £365,000, which should aid the development of two schemes to be set up by the spring of 2015.

It comes after 2007 saw 10,000 properties flooded in the areas when there was widespread heavy rainfall.

Computerised models of sewerage systems will allow engineers to analyse the current provisions and work out alternatives for the future.

Stephen Parnaby, leader of East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: "The urban catchment model currently being devised is certainly one of the most complex drainage models attempted in the UK and possibly even in Europe."

Total funding for the project has now reached £175,000 after Cottingham and Orchard Park in north Hull were granted money to have a feasibility study conducted last year.

Mr Parnaby said: "Both councils take flood prevention very seriously and these two schemes would go a long way in reducing the risk of flooding for thousands of properties against the kind of severe rainfall we saw in the summer of 2007."

There is much concern for those who have homes or businesses in areas which are deemed as a flood risk, as the current agreement on providing such insurance is due to expire next year.

A new understanding between the government and insurance companies must be reached otherwise 300,000 property owners may not be able to secure insurance policies on their homes and businesses.

Schemes such as the one in Yorkshire in order to better cope with the possibility of flooding are a big step forward, but it is unlikely they will stop all damage to property.

The Statement of Principles deal, which was agreed in 2008, ensured that affordable insurance would be available to those who need it, but as of next year they risk being priced out of securing cover.