On the eighth anniversary of the Calderdale Flood Action Plan, the Council and partners are reflecting on progress and working with communities to support flood resilience this autumn and winter.
This October marks eight years since the launch of the Calderdale Flood Action Plan, which was created following the floods of Boxing Day 2015. It sets out the actions to support recovery from past floods, reduce the impact of flooding and build resilience for future events.
The plan has recently been refreshed to reflect completed, revised and new actions. Regularly updating the plan ensures it remains relevant as the risk of flooding can change over time, due to factors such as climate change, urban development, and alterations to watercourses.
Incredible progress has been made since the creation of the plan, across the key themes of strengthening defences, natural flood management (NFM), resilient infrastructure, and community resilience.
Since 2016, around £133million has been secured for projects and schemes to reduce flooding from rivers and surface water. This includes the completed £41million scheme in Mytholmroyd that protects 400 homes and businesses. By 2027, seven schemes in Calderdale will protect over 1,390 properties.
Over 120 sites in the borough have also been used for NFM since 2016, including the creation of a new wetland area at Brearley Fields in Mytholmroyd.
The Council and partners also work with the community to help them to prepare for and recover from flooding. The creation of the Eye on Calderdale website has enabled people to easily check their flood risk and find out how best to prepare for different types of flooding, what to do to protect themselves and their property, as well as who to contact for assistance.
Flooding can happen at any time, but there are simple things that can be done to be better prepared. To support community resilience, Calderdale has recently joined local authorities across the country to become a BeFloodReady partner. The new website www.befloodready.uk/calderdale(external link) provides guidance and information on Property Flood Resilience (PFR), helping homes, businesses and communities to be better prepared should flooding occur.
Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Action and Housing, Cllr Scott Patient, said:
“In the eight years since the launch of the Calderdale Flood Action Plan, we’ve seen some incredible achievements to minimise flood risk and build resilience in our communities.
“As the risk of flooding changes over time it’s important we regularly refresh the plan and continue to raise awareness of the ongoing risks faced by Calderdale communities. We’ve also made the plan easier to read and more accessible, with images from across Calderdale helping to tell the story of our progress.
“Climate change makes extreme weather events more likely, so we’re reminding people that the risk from flooding can never be fully removed and it’s always a good idea to check flood protection plans ahead of winter. There’s lots of information on our Eye on Calderdale site and as part of new BeFloodReady resources.”
Jo Arnold, who leads on the Calderdale Flood Action Plan for the Environment Agency, said:
“Eight years on, we are very proud of the progress made through the Calderdale Flood Action Plan. This evolving document highlights the significant achievements of the Calderdale Flood Partnership, local communities, and various organisations in reducing flood risks to homes and businesses in the Calder Valley. Together, we have delivered new flood defences, natural flood management solutions, and improved community resilience.
“While we celebrate these accomplishments, we recognise there is still more to be done. The plan not only reflects the progress so far but also outlines how we continue to prepare for future challenges. Flood risk will always be present, but with the right tools and knowledge, we can significantly reduce its impact. We encourage everyone to check their flood risk and sign up for flood warnings, explore the resources available on the EyeonCalderdale website and take steps to protect their homes and businesses.”
To view the full Calderdale Flood Action plan, visit https://eyeoncalderdale.com/flood-action-plan/(external link). It’s important to sign up to receive free flood warnings. Registering is quick and easy, simply call Floodline on 0345 988 1188 or visit Check your flood risk – Eye on Calderdale(external link).
The Calderdale Flood Action Plan complements the borough’s Climate Action Plan, which sets out how the borough will achieve ambitious net zero targets and protect our distinctive environment from the impacts of the climate crisis.
To find out more about the Calderdale Climate Action Plan, visit https://new.calderdale.gov.uk/environment/sustainability/climate-action-plan(external link). For regular climate action updates, sign up for the Zero Carbon Calderdale e-newsletter at https://mailchi.mp/calderdale/zerocarbon(external link)
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