Work starts on flood defences
WORK has started on the long-awaited £13m flood defence scheme designed to protect the city from a repeat of the devastating floods in 2007.
The Environment Agency is building a new dam at Fenton, in Kirkhamgate, creating flood water storage areas in Wrenthorpe Park and near Wakefield Prison, as well as improving Westgate Beck.
The ambitious project has taken 14 years of planning and will involve demolishing three houses to protect the city's gateway, Westgate, from being turned into a river again.
Sally Leng, Environment Agency project manager, said: "Wakefield has a long history of flooding and has had five major floods since 1940.
"The work we're doing on the Ings Beck scheme will mean Wakefield is protected against the kind of flood that only has a one in 100 chance of happening in a year."
One of the major improvements will be to Magdalene Bridge at the end of Westgate Beck. The culvert, or tunnel, directs water through to the River Calder.
Traffic on Westgate is expected to be disrupted for several weeks as lanes are closed and traffic diverted while the work is being done.
In Wrenthorpe Park an existing pond will be modified to store excess water from Balne Beck and Foster Ford Beck.
The Environment Agency has worked closely with Wrenthorpe Environmental Society (WRENS) to plan long-term improvements to the park including creating a larger wetland area.
Keith Orrell, chairman of WRENS, said: "I think it's an excellent scheme. It will solve the flooding problem and also encourage wildlife habitats in Wrenthorpe Park."
Mr Orrell's Jerry Clay Lane home was submerged in 50cm of flood water back in 2007
He said: "Eight homes on School Lane were badly affected, but only one house has had its defences improved so far. I think one of the problems is gaining access to the stream."
The Environment Agency is working in partnership with Wakefield Council to build a 1.1m defence scheme in Agbrigg, one of the worst affected areas in the 2007 floods.
A drop-in session will be held tomorrow for people to ask questions and look at detailed plans at Balne Lane Community Centre, on Balne Lane, from 10am until 4pm.
Next Thursday there will also be a drop-in session at Denhale ARC, on Denhale Avenue, from 3.30pm until 7.15pm.
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Weather for Wakefield
Wednesday 08 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: -4 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Light rain
Temperature: 0 C to 4 C
Wind Speed: 7 mph
Wind direction: South west
