£3.5m plan to help protect businesses from floods

A PROJECT to protect homes and businesses from flooding in South Yorkshire has been granted almost £3.5m.

The Sheffield City Region (SCR) Combined Authority has approved a grant from the Local Growth Fund (LGF) for phase one of Sheffield City Council’s Upper Don flood alleviation scheme.

The project will provide a “comprehensive” flood defence within an area at high risk of flooding on the River Loxley, and where the River Loxley and River Don meet in the Malin Bridge and Hillsborough areas of Sheffield which were devastated by floods in 2007.

The scheme is also intended to support businesses in the floodrisk area, providing flood protection in order to encourage further growth and new investment.

Sheffield City Council will deliver the project.

Coun Jack Scott, member for planning and transport at the authority, said: “We all know flooding happens. We can’t prevent it, but can and will protect our people in the best and least obstructive way possible. These new flood defences are working well in other parts of the city such as the Lower Don Valley and we believe these will repeat that success, whilst ensuring Loxley Valley can continue to be enjoyed by runners, cyclists and visitors.”