South Yorkshire leaders warn severe flooding 'inevitable' without funding from national Government

Local authorities have drawn up a £270m flood defence package, which was discussed with Environment Secretary George Eustice earlier this month, however they have not had a firm commitment on how much of this will be funded.

The 27 schemes vary from small scale to large projects all across South Yorkshire.

Ros Jones, Mayor of Doncaster, said: “Lots of improvement work has been carried out over the last 12 months to provide greater resilience to flooding and our enhanced flood response plans mean we are better prepared as we head towards winter too.

“Our Flood Recovery report highlighted how essential it is that National Government makes good on the promises given to Doncaster people last November to invest significantly in future flood protection and resilience that will sustainably address the challenges we face now and into the future.”

Rotherham Council leader, Chris Read, said: “The Council has delivered 40 small scale flood alleviation schemes since November 2019 at locations across the borough to reduce the flood risk to roads, residential and commercial properties - but we know that is just a sticking plaster compared to the major investment that is required to properly protect our borough.”

He said the meeting with Mr Eustice had been positive but it “has to be backed up with action and funding for these schemes”.

“Without it, a repeat of the flooding seen in November 2019 is inevitable.”