Work on the £3.5 million Westleigh flood risk management scheme is well underway, according to the Environment Agency’s latest update.

Westleigh Brook has a history of flooding, with properties affected in 2002 and coming close again in 2015. As well as reducing the risk of flooding, the scheme will provide a fish easement and improved access for a local business.

The scheme will reduce the risk of flooding to 230 residential properties from Clifton Street to the Leeds-Liverpool Canal, at a cost of £3.5 million.

The works include the removal of Clifton Street Bridge, building raised walls and an embankment, and modifications to Sportsman Street Bridge. The most recent work has included the redirection of gas and water pipes and work on the bridge. Construction of the flood walls will also commence shortly.

Flood Risk Manager for the Environment Agency, Mark Garratt, said:

“The Environment Agency is committed to reducing the risk of flooding and we are pleased to be able to bring forward this scheme and tackle the risk of flooding in this community.”

“Getting out and speaking to the community is something that we value when constructing major schemes. It’s important that local people are aware of what we are doing and have an opportunity to raise any concerns and feed in their views. “

“We want to make sure people are kept informed throughout the construction phase and are completely clear about what we’re doing and why we’re doing it.