Flood defence work around city beck completed

The walls around Sheepscar Beck have been restored to help protect the area from floods

Work to improve flood defences around a beck in Leeds city centre has been completed.

The walls around Sheepscar Beck have been repaired and restored to make them stronger, protecting about 250 businesses and 50 homes in Sheepscar and Mabgate from the risk of flooding.

Leeds City Council said the age of the stone and brickwork, and the presence of invasive species, meant there were structural weaknesses along the channel.

The £1.5m scheme was funded by the Environment Agency and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

The council said without intervention the risk of collapse could have resulted in significant flooding, potentially affecting many businesses and homes in the area.

Work has also been carried out to improve the area for residents, as new seating has been installed, and new public waste bins.

Bat boxes have also been installed to encourage wildlife.

Jonathan Pryor, the council's deputy leader and executive member for economy, transport and sustainable development, said he was "delighted" the works had been completed.

"Flood risk is one of the most direct impacts of climate change that our city faces, and the financial and carbon cost of clean-up means that schemes like this make a significant contribution to our net zero ambitions," he said.

"This scheme forms part of our wider programme of flood alleviation works across Leeds, helping us manage both large rivers and smaller watercourses to safeguard our residents and businesses from the devastation flooding can bring."

Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: "Here In West Yorkshire, we've felt the devastating impact of climate change first-hand, as flooding has become more damaging and frequent over recent years.

"By investing in essential defences to protect our communities and businesses, we're building a more resilient region that's fit for the future."

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