Press release: Funding announced for a major flood defence scheme to protect Mytholmroyd

A major £30m flood scheme to protect homes and businesses in Mytholmroyd is a step closer thanks to a decision made on 25 July by the Calderdale Flood Partnership Board.

The board approved the allocation of funding for the scheme following detailed investigation work carried out by the Environment Agency to ensure the highest possible standard of flood protection for the village. The Environment Agency will now apply for planning permission and construction is expected to commence in the autumn.

Following the flooding of December 2015, the Environment Agency has completed six new schemes, reducing flood risk to 500 homes as part of a £9 million recovery programme across Calderdale. In Mytholmroyd, significant work to clear the channel, repair damaged walls and make safe damaged buildings has already been carried out.

The new million scheme for Mytholmroyd has been developed in partnership with Calderdale Council, the local community, and partners. As design work is finalised, the current options for the scheme include:

• New, raised flood and improved walls
• The relocation of Caldene Bridge
• Widening of the river channel at key locations
• Strengthening and waterproofing of buildings next to the river.

Plans are for the scheme to be completed in phases and widening the river at Greenhill Industrial Estate will continue to be explored.

Adrian Gill, flood risk manager for the Environment Agency, said:

This is an important next step in building the right flood scheme for the village.

We have already completed a £9 million recovery programme across Calderdale to restore protection to communities following the flooding of December 2015 and have been working hard to ensure we provide the highest standard of protection. We will continue to listen to the local community and keep them informed as the project progresses.

Cllr Tim Swift, Calderdale Council’s leader, said:

I am very pleased that the board has agreed to allocate the funding required to enable this scheme to go ahead, which is really good news for Mytholmroyd residents and businesses. Of course, this is just one part of an ongoing programme of works to reduce the risk of flooding across Calderdale, and I would encourage people to regularly visit www.eyeoncalderdale.com to keep updated on all of the works.

A flood information centre is open in the village offering the public advice on flood resilience and the opportunity to speak to Environment Agency staff about plans for flood schemes in Calderdale.