Flood scheme is first to use £50m movable weir

A £50 million flood alleviation scheme opening in Leeds is the first to use state-of-the-art movable weir technology, according to the Environment Agency.

More than 3,000 properties were flooded in 2015 in the aftermath of Storm Eva as the Aire reached unprecedented levels, prompting city council leader Judith Blake to lead criticism of a north-south divide in the Government’s response to the floods.

The agency said the first phase of the scheme would help protect 3,000 homes, 500 businesses and 300 acres of development land. The design incorporates fish passes and otter ramps, the agency added.