As we approach the one year anniversary since Storm Eva caused devastation to homes and businesses across Kirkstall, I wanted to update you on the Leeds (River Aire) Flood Alleviation Scheme.

Since Christmas last year, much work has gone into repairing and restoring damage caused by the floods. £24million was secured to repair damaged flood defences across Yorkshire, £1.8million of this in Leeds. A further £3.8million was secured to repair damages to Phase 1 of the Leeds Flood Alleviation Scheme.

In October I met with Thérèse Coffey MP, the Minister responsible for flood policy along with the seven other Leeds MPs, Cllr Judith Blake and Tom Riordan, Chief Executive of Leeds City Council to discuss in more detail the plans for flood defences in Leeds and Kirkstall.

I received assurances that Phase 2, which aims to directly reduce the flood risk in Kirkstall, will indeed be given the go ahead. Phase 2 will look at the feasibility of flood alleviation measures in Kirkstall, as well as determining the type of defences, scope of the works and how best we can combine natural flood management measures and engineered options.

Leeds City Council have established a Flood Alleviation Scheme hub at 352-354 Kirkstall Road, which is there for you to speak to staff from Leeds City Council, the Environment Agency and BMMjv – the contractors. The hub is open seven days a week and more information and details of their opening hours can be found online via the website at www.leeds.gov.uk/fas or twitter @LeedsFAS.

Finally, this month the British Insurance Brokers’ Association (BIBA) has announced the launch of a new commercial insurance scheme for businesses that will also include flood cover for many commercial premises and let properties located in areas at risk from flooding. It is hoped that this scheme will benefit the many local businesses who have struggled to obtain insurance since the Boxing Day floods – more information can be found here.

As ever, if you feel I can assist further with this or any other queries, please do not hesitate to get in touch.