Work starts on flood defence scheme in Otley
The £4m scheme will reduce flood risk to 53 houses in the Wharfemeadows Park area.
Work has started on a flood defence scheme in Otley.
The scheme will reduce flood risk to 53 houses in the Wharfemeadows Park area.
The £4m project will reduce the likelihood of flooding from the River Wharfe from 20 per cent to 4 per cent.
The scheme, which should be finished by November, will see an embankment built near Wharfemeadows Park and vegetation management.
It includes £2 million from central government, £1.5 million from Leeds City Council and £650,000 from Local Levy funding.
As well as reducing flood risk, these new measures will also improve biodiversity which will be achieved by bringing the Kell Beck watercourse into the open and additional planting.
There are also hopes to create more community engagement opportunities, such as volunteer clean ups on the river.
Councillor Mohammed Rafique, executive member for environment and active lifestyles said: “This is a significant milestone for the scheme and one which will be hugely welcomed by residents and businesses in Otley.
“This area has experienced awful flooding in the past, most notably on Boxing Day 2015 when over 50 homes flooded. Since then, there have been several near misses so these new measures will make an important difference, particularly as climate change continues to bring unpredictable and volatile weather conditions.
“I’m looking forward to seeing this scheme come to life later in the year.”
John Woods, project manager at Environment Agency said: “The Environment Agency is working hard to create climate resilient places by mitigating the impacts of flooding across Yorkshire. We’re delighted to be working with Leeds City Council to begin construction of this new flood alleviation scheme in Otley.
“We’ve worked with the community and listened to a full range of views to get the right flood defence scheme for the town, which will reduce flood risk while enhancing the local environment. With construction now starting on site, we’ll continue to work with residents, businesses and the wider community, to ensure the scheme is delivered at pace and with respect to people and wildlife.”