Big boost for West Yorkshire flood defense works

A £5.6 million flood defense fund to help protect West Yorkshire’s communities and businesses from extreme weather has been signed off by regional leaders, the West Yorkshire Combined Authority said.

The investment will be used to refurbish a flood channel in Leeds, redirect floodwater away from businesses and into the River Holme in Huddersfield, and create new areas of wetland to slow the flow of water and help protect homes and businesses in Brighouse.

The proposals were agreed at a meeting of the regional Climate, Energy and Environment Committee yesterday, and will bolster a wider £22 million flood alleviation effort announced by West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin last December.

“Flooding is a real concern across West Yorkshire, and this latest round of support will alleviate that ongoing threat and help to ensure that our region is fit for the future,” said Cllr Scott Patient, Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Action, Active Travel and Housing.

“We know the devastation that flooding causes so it’s vital measures are put in place to help to protect vulnerable communities and businesses as extreme weather becomes more frequent.”

It is estimated that 37,000 homes and 15,000 businesses in West Yorkshire are in a flood zone.

During the Boxing Day floods of 2015, around 6,000 homes and businesses were damaged, costing the regional economy an estimated half-a-billion pounds.