Leeds council criticises lack of flood defence

Councillor Judith Blake of Leeds council has criticised the government’s delay in taking the necessary steps to reduce the risk of flooding in the region.

After welcoming the Environment Agency’s report on flood protection, Blake claimed that they were ‘far from seeing anything actually happening on the ground’.

In 2011, the city’s flood defence scheme was cancelled. However, Blake argued that should the plans have gone ahead, they would have provided protection along the Aire between Woodlesford and Kirkstall.

Blake said: “In order for us to be able to give many concerned residents and businesses the reassurance they need, we need certainty and confidence that Leeds will get the flood defences that the city needs and deserves.

“Recent stories in the media about the south east getting £167 funding per head, compared to £97 per head for Yorkshire, only goes to demonstrate the unequal distribution of resources.

“Given that we are now some months on from the Boxing Day floods we are keen to get on with things so we will continue to push for a scheme that provides the city with a good level of defence.”