We’re taking steps to curb future flood risk
COUNCIL CHIEF PRAISES WORKERS’ EFFORTS
COMING up to the fourth anniversary of the Boxing Day floods which caused damage in Elland and Brighouse, much work has been done to protect the Calder Valley from future flooding.
Tomorrow, the Calderdale Flood Recovery and Resilience Board, which was set up in the aftermath of previous flooding in 2012, will review the progress made over the past four years.
Leader of Calderdale Council and chairman of the board, Clr Tim Swift, said: “As we reach the anniversary of the Boxing Day floods, I’d like to thank all of the people and partners who are working hard to keep our communities safe.
“We know a huge amount is done by unpaid volunteers, who are unsung heroes within all of our towns and villages, and we’re extremely grateful for their commitment.
“We also recognise and appreciate the patience of those who are living with the everyday disruption as the work on our flood alleviation schemes continues. These will ultimately provide a greater degree of protection in the future.
“It’s important to remember, however, that, because of our steep-sided valley and the impact of climate change, we will always be at risk of flooding, so I’d urge everyone to prepare carefully so that they and their property are protected.”
Elland Bridge was badly damaged by the floodwaters and had to be closed for repairs costing £5m.
Yorkshire Water, working in partnership with Calderdale Council and the Environment Agency, will be carrying out a second trial which will reduce water levels by up to 10% at reservoirs on Hebden Water over the coming winter. This will provide extra storage for flood water, carefully balancing flood risk against the demand for public water supplies.
Yorkshire Water’s chief strategy and regulation officer, Nevil Muncaster, said: “Lowering reservoirs is not a silver bullet solution to preventing flooding, and all agencies need to work together on a wide range of measure to reduce risk, but the data suggests that it could have a positive impact, so it is important that we continue to work to understand both the benefits and potential implications for water resources in the region.
“We’re committed to continuing to work in partnership with others to help reduce flood risk in Calderdale.”
The four themes of the Calderdale Flood Action Plan are: Strengthening Defences; Natural Flood Management; Resilient Infrastructure; and Community Resilience.
Environment Agency flood risk advisor, Paul Swales, said great progress had been made on schemes in Mytholmroyd, Hebden Bridge and Brighouse.