Start date for £1.3m floods project

The scheme was planned after the severe floods of June 2007 which devastated hundreds of homes and businesses across the district, and will help to provide protection from the effects of flooding in the future.

It will create a flood bank and flood wall, securing an area of land that will temporarily hold floodwater resulting from a heavy rainstorm upstream on Oakenshaw Beck.

Before work starts locals residents are being given a chance to find out more about the work by Wakefield Council and the Environment Agency, who have developed the scheme in partnership, at a drop-in session at Agbrigg Community Centre.

Coun Denise Jeffery, Wakefield Council’s Cabinet member for regeneration and economic growth said: “I’m delighted that work is due to begin on the new defences at Agbrigg which will help to protect residents from the devastating floods which have affected them in the past.

“Over 400 homes were affected by the flood waters and local roads and infrastructure damaged but, once completed, the scheme should significantly reduce any flood risk in the future.

“We have listened to local residents throughout the process and we hope that they will come along to take a final look at the plans before work starts in April.”

Joe Noake from the Environment Agency said: “We are really pleased to be working with Wakefield council to deliver this scheme and we’re glad to be making a difference to so many people.”

The drop-in session will take place on Wednesday, March 16, at Agbrigg Community Centre, Montague Street, from 2-7pm. Officers from the council, Environment Agency, JBA Design Consultants and the contractor, CA Blackwell, will be on hand to explain the plans and answer any questions local residents may have about the project.