Calderdale Flood Action Plan marks a five year milestone
THE CALDERDALE Flood Action Plan is five years old this month and to acknowledge this important milestone, the Environment Agency, Calderdale Council and its partners are reflecting on key successes since 2016.
Created following the devastating damage of the deluge on Boxing Day 2015, the plan aims to reduce the impact of flooding and make the region more resilient to climate change.
Actions completed as part of the plan are also part of the Environment Agency’s and partners plans to be prepared for winter.
The plan is a ‘living document’
“It’s fantastic that The Calderdale Flood Action Plan is still an invaluable living document”
and enables organisations to plan together effectively to achieve common goals. It is overseen by a group called the Calderdale Flood Programme, which brings together a range of partners including Calderdale Council, the Environment Agency, Yorkshire Water, Network Rail, the Canal and River Trust, local flood groups, the voluntary sector and community groups.
Progress to date has been strong, with over 50 per cent of actions completed or nearing completion.
There are four themes of the Plan – Strengthening Defences, Natural Flood Management, Resilient
Infrastructure and Community Resilience. The combined actions of these themes work together to slow the flow of flood water and reduce flood risk along the whole of the Calder Valley.
Jo Arnold, who leads on the Calderdale Flood Action Plan for the Environment Agency, said: “It’s fantastic that The Calderdale Flood Action Plan is still an invaluable living document five years after inception.
“The plan outlines the work the partnership, communities and people have delivered and will continue to deliver to reduce flood risk to homes and businesses in the Calder Valley.
“The Flood Action Plan is a great roadmap of how we and many other organisations help better protect communities from flooding, and shows what we are doing to prepare for whatever this winter may bring.
“However, what is equally as important is that people check their flood risk and sign up to flood warnings.
“Despite our efforts, we cannot prevent all flooding. It’s vital everyone knows the threat to them and how to keep loved ones, property and possession safe.”
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