Land set to be bought for flood defence measures

Parts of Rotherham were inundated with flooding in 2019

A £15m scheme to buy land and build anti-flood infrastructure in two Rotherham villages is to be considered by the council.

The project could see reservoirs, wetlands and flow control systems created on parcels of land around Whiston and Laughton Common.

Whiston was last affected by flooding in October 2023, while Laughton Common suffered severe damage during the 2019 floods.

Cabinet members will vote on July 7 to approve the acquisition of five plots of land near Whiston Brook and one plot near Eel Mires Dike in Laughton Common.

Once approved, construction on the Whiston Brook scheme could begin later this year, with completion expected in 2026, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The Eel Mires Dike scheme is also progressing, with more land deals due to follow, a report said.

Councillor Lynda Marshall, cabinet spokesperson for street scene and green spaces, said they were committed to taking "decisive" action.

"By securing the necessary land to progress these vital flood alleviation schemes, we are demonstrating our commitment to delivering long-term, effective solutions.

"These projects are a crucial part of our wider strategy to build better public spaces and resilience against future flooding events," she added.

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