Council puts £50k into flood defence scheme design

It comes after more than 400 homes were affected by flooding in 2024

A total of £55,000 has been invested by Herefordshire Council to design a flood management scheme for a school and leisure centre both affected by flooding.

Holmer Church of England Academy and Hereford Leisure Centre, both on Holmer Road in Hereford, were among more than 400 properties hit by floods in 2024.

The latest investment would be made under the wider £2m programme to reduce flood risks, announced in September.

"This investment reflects our commitment to safeguarding residents, schools and community facilities from the growing threat of flooding," councillor Dan Hurcomb said.

"By prioritising areas with a history of flood events, we're not only protecting infrastructure but also enhancing community resilience.

"I'm proud to see this programme moving forward to address the unique challenges of our county."

The wider programme of work will target the areas most affected by flooding, aiming to protect homes, businesses, roads and public spaces.

Its designs aim to determine whether incorporating attenuation - a way of slowing down water flow - could provide a more effective approach to managing water.

Hurcomb said: "The goal is to develop a scheme to keep children in school, families active at the leisure centre and homes safe from water damage.

"This is just the first step in a larger plan to make Herefordshire more resilient to extreme weather."