People across West Yorkshire are being asked to have their say on how flooding risks could be managed for the next 100 years.
This month the Environment Agency begins widespread public consultation on the Upper Aire Flood Risk Management Strategy, aiming to manage flood risk for the River Aire between Gargrave, near Skipton, and Fleet Weir, near Leeds, close to where the M1 crosses the river.
The strategy will highlight the people, properties and land that could be flooded and make recommendations on how to manage the risks. The consultation will include drop-in sessions where people can view the proposals, with more information available on the web or by post.
Flooding in this area is usually from high river flows following severe rainfall, or from prolonged periods of rain over days or even weeks. Many areas along the river have flooded over recent years, and the risks will increase as the climate continues to change.
The strategy looks at where flood defences could be built, including the current proposals for a scheme in Leeds. Many people have already visited the consultation events on the proposed Leeds scheme.
There is a long history of flooding on the River Aire and its tributaries. Records as far back as 1616 show houses in Leeds being flooded by the River Aire. In addition to the river itself, there are over 15 major tributaries within the strategy area, many posing a significant risk of flooding.
Helen Tattersdale, Upper Aire strategy manager for the Environment Agency, said: “The Upper Aire strategy could benefit thousands of people and save millions of pounds in flood related damages, but it’s still at an early stage, and we need everybody’s input to make sure we get it right.
“We are holding this consultation so people can take a good look at our initial plans, tell us what they think and contribute their ideas. We were pleased to see so many taking an interest in the Leeds scheme, which proves the public want to know about flooding and how it might affect Yorkshire on a wider scale.
“Once we have considered all the responses we will review our work and publish a final strategy for the Upper Aire later this year which will be presented to the Government for approval.
“The strategy will be used to guide our work and will be reassessed every five years. There’s a lot to do and we are working with many partners, including all the local authorities and the regional development agency, on tackling flood risks.”
The proposals on show will cover the different types and locations of flood defences being suggested. Among the short term proposals are progressing local flood risk management schemes, the continued maintenance of existing flood defences, improved flood warning services, and continuing to advise against inappropriate floodplain developments. The draft strategy also outlines the medium and longer term proposals and the efforts to enhance the local environment wherever possible.
Consultation events are on:
• Friday June 26, Gargrave Village Hall, West Street, Gargrave, Skipton, BD23 3RD from 2-6 pm
• Tuesday June 30, Keighley Library, North Street, Keighley, BD21 3SX from 3-7 pm
• Wednesday July 1, Baildon Community Link, 35 Cliffe Avenue, Baildon, Shipley, BD17 6NX from 3-7pm.
Summaries and full copies of the strategy are available at the events or via the Environment Agency website www.environment-agency.gov.uk/consultations
Paper copies can be obtained from the strategy manager, Helen Tattersdale, by post, phone or email:
• Post: Helen Tattersdale, Environment Agency, Phoenix House, Global Avenue, Leeds LS118PG
• Phone: 0113 213 4682
• Email: helen.tattersdale@environment-agency.gov.uk
