Warning to plan ahead in case floods hit Valley

WHILE Covid-19 is at the forefront of people’s minds this year, residents are asked to spend some time ensuring they are as prepared as they can be in case of flooding this winter.

This Christmas marks the fifth anniversary of the worst flooding to hit the Calder Valley, and just before the pandemic struck towns including Mytholmroyd, Todmorden and Hebden Bridge were hit by the second-worst flooding in the wake of Storm Ciara.

This also impacted on Calderdale riverside communities including Sowerby Bridge, Elland and Brighouse, and some of those on the hilltops, including Ripponden.

On the fifth anniversary of the Boxing Day 2015 floods, people are urged to ensure they are as ready as they can be for any incidents, and a new Calderdale Council booklet is also being delivered to homes to help says Calderdale Council’s Cabinet member for Climate Change and Resilience, Cllr Scott Patient (Lab, Luddenden Foot).

Cllr Patient, a Mytholmroyd resident and volunteer flood warden, said it was important to be aware of the risk. He said: “It’s important not to forget about the ongoing risk of flooding in the borough, particularly during the winter months.

“Calderdale is well known for its kindness and resilience, but in a year unlike any other, we’re asking everyone to pull together and plan ahead.

“There are lots of simple steps that residents and business owners can take to ensure they’re ready to deal with issues caused by any heavy rain or flooding. Hopefully these plans won’t need to be used but ensuring they’re in place is a reassurance should heavy rain be forecast.”

Cllr Patient said a new leaflet aimed to help. Every house is Calderdale will have received a WinterWise booklet containing some great advice to help everyone through this difficult season. This contains a section on being flood aware, with a checklist of ways to prepare for the impacts of flooding and what to do during and after a flood.

Cllr Patient said the guide is also available online at www.calderdale. gov.uk/winterwise. He added: “There’s also lots of advice available at www.eyeoncalderdale.com where you can find updates about the extensive ongoing partnership work that has taken place since previous flooding incidents - all aiming to minimise the risk of future flooding in the borough.”