Mary welcomes Westgate flood defences

Wakefield MP and Shadow Secretary for the Environment, Mary Creagh, has welcomed the start of the latest phase of the city’s £12 million flood alleviation scheme. Wakefield Council and the Environment Agency started work on 4th January 2011 to replace 2 culverts under Westgate which will help protect the city and its residents from water damage if the city is flooded again.

The work will install two additional culverts on Ings Beck to increase capacity under Westgate at Maudeline Bridge. At present, the structure is too small to carry the flow of water during a flood and part of the culvert’s roof is so damaged that it could collapse. The Environment Agency scheme will help to reduce the risk of flooding to more than 700 homes and businesses from Ings Beck, as well as cutting the flood risk from other watercourses, including the River Calder, Balne Beck and Alverthorpe Beck.

The latest phase of the work is expected to be completed by autumn 2011.

Wakefield MP Mary Creagh said “I’m delighted that the Environment Agency is continuing to fund this vital flood defence work in Wakefield despite a 27% cut to its funding this year by the Tory led government. We all remember the terrible distress and financial loss caused by the 2007 floods so I’m pleased that we are seeing action underway to stop it happening again.”

Cllr Denise Jeffery, Wakefield Council’s cabinet member for regeneration said: “Floods in Wakefield have caused considerable damage in the past and we’re delighted that the Environment Agency is funding this work to improve conditions for our citizens.”