Calderdale Flood Scheme Kicks Off

The construction of three new flood alleviation schemes that will help protect Calderdale homes and businesses from future flooding has now started on site.

The schemes at Pin Hill Lane in Midgley, Woodland View in Hebden Bridge and Burnt Acres Wood in Eastwood, Todmorden are designed to reduce the risk of flooding during severe weather events, reported the Calderdale Council.

All three are part of the council’s Flood Risk Reduction Schemes One (FRRS1) program of eight schemes which are designed to protect over 400 homes, around 150 businesses and critical transport routes during future flooding incidents in Calderdale.

The FRRS1 program, which is worth up to £5.5 million, was developed by Calderdale Council and the Environment Agency in response to the floods between 2012 and 2015.

James Walton, project manager at the Environment Agency said: “We are pleased that construction works are once again underway to reduce flood risk in the area. We are very appreciative of the support from the local community to accommodate our contractor JBA Bentley during periods of temporary disruption, and we will continue to work hard to minimize these as much as possible.”

The flood risk reduction scheme at Pin Hill Lane will help to protect properties in Midgley. Although improvements have been made over recent years, the large volume of debris which is swept from the hillside during heavy rain often causes blockages and leads to further flooding. The work is anticipated to be completed in May 2017.

A scheme to protect homes in Woodland View, Hebden Bridge which have been prone to flooding from the River Calder has also started on site. The scheme will improve drainage and is anticipated to be completed by the end of April 2017.

Homes and businesses in Burnt Acres Wood in Eastwood, Todmorden have also been affected during flooding incidents in recent years. To tackle this, a new pump well will be installed at the Knowle End Farm to improve surface water drainage during periods of intense rainfall. The scheme is anticipated for completion by June 2017.