Residents to get help over flood damage

Last month's heavy rains caused severe flooding in the Walsden area.

Part of a retaining wall at Copperas House Terrace was swept away by the swollen Walsden Water, causing part of the gardens of properties to collapse into the river below.

There are 10 houses in the terrace and land immediately behind three of the properties has been left in an unstable condition.

Residents fear that more of their gardens and even the properties could face further damage unless urgent repairs are made to the retaining wall.

Now Calderdale has agreed to make up to 135,000 available to find out the true extent of the damage and to carry out repairs.

The money has been found from unallocated capital expenditure for flood defence.

The council now needs to sort out a legal agreement with the Environment Agency so that the work can be carried out.

The cabinet member for the economy and environment, Councillor Barry Collins, said that since the retaining wall collapsed, the damage to the gardens had got steadily worse, moving nearer and nearer to these properties.

"It is not clear who has the responsibility for this work. But these are exceptional circumstances.

"Even at a time when money is tight for the council, we cannot simply abandon these local residents"

Cabinet member, Coun Olwen Jennings, said she was pleased decisive action was being taken.

She said: "Understandably, the residents of Copperas House Terrace have been really worried, so hopefully, this will be welcome news.

"In exceptional circumstances like this, it's right that the Council should step in to help."

Councillors have met the Environment Agency to discuss what needs to be done.