The construction of three new flood alleviation schemes has now started on site, which will help protect Calderdale homes and businesses from future flooding.
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.
All three are part of the Council’s Flood Risk Reduction Schemes One (FRRS1) programme 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 programme, 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.
Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Development, Cllr Barry Collins said:
“The FRRS1 programme aims to tackle the issues which have caused localised flooding during bad weather across Calderdale.
“Each of these schemes represents a significant investment in the future of the entire Calder Valley. Our towns have made an amazing recovery since the devastating flooding in 2012 and in 2015 and it’s essential that we do all we can to protect them from future incidents.”
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 minimise these as much as possible.”
The flood risk reduction scheme at Pin Hill Lane will help to protect properties in Midgley. Surface water from the hillside collects at the bottom of Pin Hill Lane and Jim Allen Lane and has flooded nearby properties in the past.
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 upper section of the road will be resurfaced to reduce the likelihood of blockages of the existing drainage system together with a new culvert and outfall which will channel surface water away from the highway and into the nearest watercourse will also be installed. The work will significantly increase the capacity of the system and prevent water reaching homes during potential flood events. 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 and these have frequently caused significant disruption to the A646 Halifax Road.
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. Rainwater will collect at the lowest point of the road and will drain directly into the Calder, channelling it away from nearby homes and businesses. The scheme is anticipated for completion by June 2017.