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£50 million flood defence programme begins in Leeds

A major new flood defence in Leeds, which according to the goverment “will protect hundreds of homes and businesses” has begun construction.

The new £50 million defences are the first of their kind for the area. In total, it is projected they will protect over 150 businesses and reduce the potential disruption caused by flooding for 3,000 city centre flats.

The scheme includes new gates to control the flow of the river Aire, removing the island between the river and the nearby canal, and building new raised defences.

Almost 19,000 jobs are estimated to be created within the protected area over the next 10 years, so the new defences will play a vital role in protecting the Yorkshire economy.

Funded by £35 million worth of government funding, together with contributions from both Leeds City Council and the private sector, this scheme is an example of the success of partnership funding in creating new defences to make the country more resilient.

Speaking at the launch of the construction, Environment Secretary Owen Paterson said: Creating jobs and getting people into employment are central to building a stronger, more resilient economy.

“In addition to protecting existing homes and businesses we expect to see a substantial number of new jobs created in Leeds over the next ten years so it is vital we invest in infrastructure to protect the area.

“We are spending more than ever before to protect our economy from the risk of flooding and this new defence will do exactly that.

“This project has come into effect thanks to contributions from central government, together with partnership funding contributions from Leeds City Council and the private sector.”

The government is spending £3.2billion on flood management and protection from coastal erosion over the course of this parliament.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Clare Burnett .