Tadcaster flood defence works will be town's 'saviour'

Councillor Kirsty Poskitt says the constant flooding is affecting the mental health of people in Tadcaster

A flood campaigner has said the completion of long-awaited flood defences will be the "start of the saviour" of a town in North Yorkshire.

Kirsty Poskitt, who represents Tadcaster on North Yorkshire Council, said repeated flooding has affected the mental health of residents..

A planning application for the defence work is expected to go in this summer - and could start in spring 2025.

Cllr Poskitt said it was "awful" for residents to worry about more flooding.

She said: "The winter we have just had, myself and the flood action group, we're constantly out when the river rises.

The force of water destroyed steel fencing at the town's football ground in 2022

"We're constantly out with residents and businesses making sure everyone's protected.

"It is awful for them to know that there's potential we could flood again. To live with that is awful - it's a horrible feeling."When we get that increased level of protection it will improve everyone's mental health. It will make people feel much more secure."Tadcaster was badly affected by floods in 2015, 2017 and 2022.

Tadcaster has faced regular floods in the town

The 2015 flood - which happened over Christmas - saw the swollen River Wharfe wash away the town's 18th Century bridge.

The Environment Agency said the new multi-million pound defences could be in place by late 2026.

"Whilst additional landscaping and planting works may be required after this date, we are aiming to ensure that the town will benefit from enhanced flood protection in winter 2026," a spokesperson added.Cllr Poskitt said she is looking forward to the day the work begins, so that Tadcaster will be able to look towards a more secure future.

'The town has suffered massively'

She said: "I don't think it is dramatic to say that the scheme starting will be the start of the saviour of this town.

"This town has suffered so massively because of flooding, surface water and the bridge collapse.

"Once we get that flood alleviation scheme in place that town is protected.

"That means our business will thrive more, empty buildings on Bridge Street will hopefully be taken by new businesses. It is transformational for Tadcaster."