‘Trash screen’ works over flood risk

Environment Agency officers, working with their contractors, are replacing a trash screen in the village because it is corroded and unsafe, having been in place for several decades.

Trash screens collect debris from the water, holding it back and preventing it from flowing along a watercourse and causing an obstruction and potential flood risk.

The screens are regularly cleared manually using rakes by Environment Agency officers as part of their routine maintenance. They are also cleared ahead of any heavy rain that may be forecast.

Mark Tupman, asset system management team member at the Environment Agency said: “This work is crucial because if the screen got blocked or worse still failed, there could be a significant risk of flooding for up to 30 properties in the village.”

The screen being replaced is on Fir Green Beck next to the memorial garden on Front Street in Bramham.

The work is expected to take no more than two weeks to complete. The agency is in the process of assessing all trash screens.