Environmental friendly projects can help to slow the flow

STRONG PARTNERSHIP work across the borough has seen good progress being made on improving flood protection and reducing the local impact of the global climate crisis. Here are some recent milestones:

- Mytholmroyd’s £41 million Flood Alleviation Scheme, developed by the Environment Agency and the Council, will better protect around 400 homes and businesses this winter.

- Yorkshire Water is working with the Environment Agency and the Council to hold down reservoirs above Hebden Bridge by 10% for a third winter, to leave storage capacity for floodwater.

- Rastrick Bridge reopened to traffic in July 2020, ahead of schedule, after it was badly affected by Storm Ciara. The Council’s repairs and added protective measures will make the bridge more resilient to future flooding.

- The Council has been ramping up its work with groups like Slow the Flow, Moors for the Future and Treesponsibility on naturebased solutions to flooding (Natural Flood Management), including planting trees, providing flood attenuation ponds, restoring moorland and installing 309 leaky woody dams through its landowner grant scheme. Grants from the Council and the Environment Agency in 2020 have helped to complete 15 natural schemes, with a further four in progress.

- The Council’s £1 million carbon neutral fund is helping Calderdale to be carbon neutral by 2038, with substantial progress by 2030. Community tree planting, LED streetlights, improved walking / cycling facilities and road closures around schools for drop-offs and pick-ups are contributing

- Calderdale has now joined 50 other councils in pledging to do everything they can to become carbon neutral as soon as possible.

YOUR VIEWS: Can more be done to reduce the risk? Email us.