Flood defences pledge for Mytholmroyd and Hebden Bridge

Roads in the area had to be closed

New defences for West Yorkshire towns that have been severely affected by flooding will be developed quickly, the Environment Agency (EA) has said.

On Monday a sudden downpour overwhelmed the drainage system in Todmorden, Hebden Bridge and Mytholmroyd for the second time in less than three weeks.

The EA said it would have plans for defences drawn up by October.

Hebden Bridge resident Barry Greenwood said he was "relieved" but he wanted something done immediately.

Craig McGarvey, from the EA, said the plans would be drawn up by a working party of representatives form the agency, British Waterways, Yorkshire Water and the local community.

'Had enough'

He said they would be taken to the regional flood defence committee by the end of the year to identify funding sources.

He said: "Hebden Bridge needs to be open for business so we want to work with the local community quickly, we want to look at smaller solutions and some big expensive solutions."

Mr Greenwood's daughter is also among people in the Calder Valley whose homes and businesses were damaged by flooding.

"I am relieved but I want to see the money on the table, the works carrying on and getting this business sorted. We have had enough now," he said.

"Everyone's absolutely devastated. They've tried to build this community up, we do have community spirit but everyone is just totally dismayed by what's happening.

"Something's got to be done and it's got to be done now."