Leeds City Council Cautiously Welcomes Leeds Flood Alleviation Scoping Report

Friday, 1 April 2016 13:54

The Environment Agency has published the Leeds Flood Alleviation Scoping Report, setting out the options and next steps to reduce flood risk to the city.

Listed in the report are possible new raised flood defences between Newlay and Leeds city centre with work around the River Aire possibly starting by the end of next year.

Proposals for the next five years include walls and embankments, as well as water storgae schemes, better drainage and hedge planting.

Commenting on the publication, Councillor Judith Blake, Leader of Leeds City Council, said:

“Another announcement about the process does indicate that we are moving in the right direction. However 2017 is still a long way off and we’re far from seeing anything actually happening on the ground.

“We appreciate that these things take time, but promises have been made before and we’ve been sorely let down, as we were when the government rejected funding for the 2011 Leeds scheme.

“In order for us to be able to give many concerned residents and businesses the reassurance they need, we need certainty and confidence that Leeds will get the flood defences that the city needs and deserves.

“Recent stories in the media about the south east getting £167 funding per head, compared to £97 per head for Yorkshire, only goes to demonstrate the unequal distribution of resources.

“Given that we are now some months on from the Boxing Day floods we are keen to get on with things so we will continue to push for a scheme that provides the city with a good level of defence.”

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