Pilot study to be launched to prevent floods

The council has released its Local Flood Risk Management Strategy which will help the Council, and partners, to understand and manage the flood risk in Calderdale.

The report has outlined that a particular problem has been experienced in Brighouse and Todmorden where submerged drainage outfalls cause surface water to back up behind raised defences when flood levels are high in the receiving watercourses.

Yorkshire Water Services have undertaken and are progressing several Drainage Area Plans in the borough.

The reports also says the Brighouse and Todmorden has been identified to be part of a pilot study for developing a new way of investigating issues caused by the sewer network.

These are being called catchment studies. A particular area of focus of these studies will be areas that suffer flooding from the sewer network and to investigate short, medium and long term solutions with the aim of developing multiple benefit, multiple agency solutions.

As the lead Local Flood Authority, the Council has a duty under the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 to develop, maintain, apply and monitor the Local Flood Risk Management Strategy.

Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Development, Councillor Barry Collins, said: “It’s vital that we learn as much as we can from the recent flooding so that we can put in place a strategy to protect our communities and make sure that they are as resilient as possible.

“We’re keen to receive feedback from local residents and businesses on the proposed strategy. If you aren’t able to attend one of the sessions you can still have your say by completing the short questionnaire on our website or by writing to us. All views expressed in this consultation will be considered as we prepare a final strategy for approval by the Cabinet later this year.”

The draft Local Flood Risk Management Strategy can be found on the Calderdale Council website.

Calderdale Council is holding six drop in sessions to give local residents and businesses the chance to share their views on the Local Flood Risk Management Strategy.

The will take place on July 12, Brighouse Civic Centre, 1.15pm - 5.15pm

| July 14, Elland Library, 1.15pm - 4.45pm

| July 18, Mytholmroyd Flood Information Centre, 1.15pm - 4.45pm

| July 20, Hebden Bridge Town Hall, 3.45pm - 6.45pm

| July 21, St Paul’s Methodist Church, Sowerby Bridge. 1.15pm - 5.45pm

| August 2, Todmorden Town Hall, 1.15pm - 5.45pm

The consultation is taking place between June 27 2016 and August 8 2016.