Wakefield's £14m flood defence scheme takes shape

Shadow Environment Secretary and Wakefield MP Mary Creagh has visited the £14m Ings Beck Flood Alleviation Scheme. The scheme is a highly complex project to protect over 700 homes and almost 60 businesses in Wakefield. It is spread over nine sites and nearly 12km of watercourse. Construction started on site in late 2009 and is due to complete in summer 2012.

Mary recently raised the issue of signage at the Westgate/Alverthorpe Road site, noting that there was little information available to residents in the area. As a result the Environment Agency have a sign located at the old Warburtons Bakery site at the junction of Westgate and Alverthorpe Lane, which describes the scheme fully and outlines what work is involved. It also provides contact details for both health and safety reasons, and a contact point for members of the public should they wish to ask questions or visit the site.

Mary said “This flood defence scheme is good news for residents and businesses in Wakefield. I saw the terrible effects of flooding in the city in 2007 and I’m delighted that this £14m investment has been secured thanks to the investment in flood defences by the Labour Government after those floods. Homes and businesses will be safer as a result and I am grateful to the Environment Agency for organising my visit.”

Sue O'Neill, Environment Agency Area Flood Risk Manager said "This £14.8m scheme will protect over 700 domestic properties and 59 businesses. The project has been very challenging in a tight urban location over 9 separate sites. We are pleased that it is close to completion and will reduce the terrible risk of flooding for the local community."