Multi-million pound flood defences set to protect homes and businesses in Sheffield

Councillors have confirmed that the Lower Loxley flood defences, part of the Upper Don Valley Flood Defence Scheme, will start in August.

The scheme will begin at Malin Bridge and proceed along the River Loxley, next to Holme Lane, and then as far as Penistone Road, heading south towards the city centre.

Work will then continue along the River Loxley, next to Livesey Street, until it joins the River Don.

The new defence measures should make the city more resilient and help to combat the adverse effects caused by the climate emergency.

The £9 million scheme is being funded by Sheffield Council, the Sheffield City Region and from grants through the Environment Agency.

Coun Bob Johnson, Hillsborough councillor and Cabinet member for development, said: “It’s of paramount importance that residents and businesses are protected from flooding and we are working hard to ensure this.

“The climate emergency is about much more than just hotter weather – it also makes wetter weather, with downpours much more likely. This is why we are so committed to large flooding defence schemes and investment.

“No one wants a repeat of the damage seen in Hillsborough by the 2007 floods, and ensuring the River Loxley doesn’t breach is of paramount importance.

“Year after year we have beefed up the flood defences and I’m sure it will be reassuring for many to see how seriously we are taking this issue”.

Coun Mark Jones, Cabinet member for environment and climate change, said residents were largely protected last November thanks to significant council investment in flood defences.

“We need to continue to go even further. This is an on-going process and in the short-term the effects of the climate emergency, such as flooding, need to be mitigated as best we can right away.”

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