Funding announced for major £30m flood scheme

The scheme - which could involve relocating a bridge, widening the river and raising walls - has been the subject of major investigative work by the Environment Agency. Now, after the Calderdale Flood Partnership Board approved the allocation of funding on Tuesday, the Environment Agency is preparing planning applications with work set to begin in the autumn.

“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,” said Coun Tim Swift, Calderdale Council leader. “This is just one part of an ongoing programme of works to reduce the risk of flooding across Calderdale.”

Mytholmroyd was badly hit in the Boxing Day floods of 2015, with an estimated 2,000 homes and 200 businesses affected across Calderdale. Since then, six flood protection schemes have been completed as part of a £9m recovery programme across the area, reducing risk to 500 homes.

Design work is still being finalised, but options for the scheme include relocating Caldene Bridge, new and improved raised walls, widening the river channel in key locations, waterproofing buildings next to the river.

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 will continue to listen to the local community and keep them informed as the project progresses.”