Flood-hitdistrict tobe offeredadvice

Joanne Ginley

PEOPLE living in an area of Leeds which has regularly flooded over the last few years will have the chance to find out how they can help to protect themselves.

Residents in Lower Wortley, Leeds, are invited to a drop-in session next week where staff from the Environment Agency, Leeds City Council and Yorkshire Water will be on hand to answer people’s queries about flooding in the area, and to learn from the experience of residents.

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The drop-in will be held on Tuesday at Ryecroft Primary School in Stonebridge Grove from 4pm to 8pm.

Lower Wortley has seen regular flooding over the last few years from a range of sources including Wortley Beck, and surface and ground water.

Environment Agency community officer Graham Lindsey said: “We are working hard with our partners and the community to understand, and increase awareness of, the risk of flooding in Lower Wortley.

“This drop-in session is an opportunity for us to explain our different flooding roles, and to discuss with people how to reduce the risk of flooding in the future.”

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The flooding has affected properties both upstream and downstream of Farnley Lake, as well as Wortley Ring Road.

Mark Mitchell, Yorkshire Water’s area engineer, said: “Farnley Lake actually helps retain rain water and therefore plays a part in reducing flooding but there is still a risk in the wake of really severe weather.

“We will be attending the drop-in to explain the role of the lake as well as the sewers and hope we can help to give residents a clear understanding of the different areas of responsibility.”

There are no immediate plans for a major flood scheme in the area, however the three organisations have met with residents from the area who are interested in forming a flood group.

Information on how to prepare for flooding is available on the Environment Agency website www.environment-agency.gov.uk or by calling Floodline 0845 988 1188.