New fly-through video shows city's £45m flood defence scheme from the skies above Leeds

The fly-through video of the Leeds Flood Alleviation Scheme shows the work being undertaken to provide flood defences along the River Aire in the city centre.

The scheme is half-way through completion and is due to be finished in May 2017.

Leader of Leeds City Council, councillor Judith Blake, said: “As can be seen on this new aerial video this first phase of the Leeds Flood Alleviation Scheme, downstream from the train station, is progressing well and is on course to be completed on time.

“However, the devastation caused by the Christmas floods shows how important it is for the government to stick to its commitment to extend comprehensive flood defences upstream from the station in the city centre and along the Kirkstall Road corridor.

“Only when those defences are in place will residents and businesses in those areas of Leeds have the reassurances they really need.”

Leeds City Council executive member for regeneration, transport and planning, councillor Richard Lewis, said: “The Leeds Flood Alleviation Scheme is a hugely important project and has been badly needed as was unfortunately demonstrated at Christmas.

“One of the few positive aspects of the flood, apart from the magnificent response of communities, council staff and the emergency services, was that the elements already completed at Woodlesford and the city centre proved effective so they showed the scheme does work.”

Councillor Lewis added: “The sophistication of the project such as the moveable weirs will put Leeds at the forefront of flood defence technology in the UK.”

The Leeds project will be the first time that moveable weirs have been installed anywhere in the UK for flood defence purposes.

The weirs can be lowered in high water conditions to control water flow and reduce river levels. They also include fish, elver and otter passes at each location.