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Funding bid to support Hebden Bridge and Erringden Hillside flood schemes

Flood

As part of continued joint efforts to reduce flood risk in Calderdale, the Council is working with partner organisations to pursue a multi-million pound funding bid.

At the meeting of Calderdale Council’s Cabinet on Monday 9 November, members will be asked to approve plans to pursue a bid for an additional £4.5million of funding from the European Structural and Investment Fund.

The funding would be used to support major schemes to better protect Hebden Bridge and the adjacent Erringden Hillside from future flooding.

The Hebden Bridge and Erringden Hillside Flood Alleviation Schemes are part of a wider programme of flood prevention and resilience investment across the borough, delivered in partnership with the Environment Agency.

In total, works in excess of £100 million are included in the borough-wide programme with further smaller schemes being prepared along the length of the Calder Valley.

The proposed flood alleviation scheme in Hebden Bridge includes:

  • Raising and strengthening river walls along the River Calder and Hebden Water.
  • Using glass panels and raising barriers to minimise any intrusion on river views of Hebden Water.
  • Improving protection to riverside properties.
  • Installing a canal overflow to manage the flow of flood water from the Rochdale Canal back into the River Calder safely.
  • Improving the drainage of surface water with a series of gully systems and pumping stations discharging into the River Calder and Hebden Water

If this additional bid is successful, the ESIF funding would be used to progress the first phases of work, enhancing flood resilience for both homes and business in the town.

For nearby, steep-sided Erringden Hillside, planned works aim to reduce the risk of surface water flooding to properties, safely manage water runoff  to avoid properties and minimise damage to road and footpath infrastructure on the hillside from the impact of flooding.

Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Resilience, Cllr Scott Patient, said:

“Flood alleviation schemes across the borough are part of our long-term Calderdale Flood Action Plan which aims to minimise the risk of flooding and increase resilience

“The planned schemes for Hebden Bridge and Erringden Hillside would better protect over 400 homes and businesses in the area. The protection offered by the scheme would also give a level of confidence to allow new and existing businesses to flourish, providing a positive impact on the local economy.

“Whilst schemes, such as this one, are a significant part of our plan to protect Calderdale communities, they’re just one of the ways we can minimise the risk of flooding. The Council continues to support local community groups who help to deliver natural flood management schemes in Calderdale. We’re also working hard to tackle climate change, the effects of which make extreme weather events more likely.”

Adrian Gill, Flood Risk Manager for Yorkshire with the Environment Agency, said:

“We can never completely stop the risk of flooding, particularly in the Calder Valley due to the geography of the area and the increasing impact of climate change.

“However, this extra funding would help us to construct the best possible flood defences to better protect local communities. The schemes will not only significantly reduce the risk of flooding, but also give the communities valuable time to respond and stay safe.”

European Funding for Flood Alleviation Schemes at Hebden Bridge and Erringden Hillside will be discussed at the meeting of Calderdale Council’s Cabinet on Monday 9 November. This will take place virtually and will be live streamed through Calderdale Council’s YouTube channel from 6pm.

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