More funding for Sheffield flood defences approved in wake of Storm Christoph

Leading councillors approved spending £220,000 at a cabinet meeting earlier this week.

The money is for the Loxley Confluence Flood Alleviation Scheme that plans to deliver “long-awaited” flood defences needed to reduce risk in the area.

In the meeting councillor Mark Jones, cabinet member for environment, said: “I’m pleased to see, given the flood warnings we have across the city and I’m glancing nervously outside at the weather, the ongoing work to deliver and enhance flood defences for the city.

“It’s a little disappointing the flood defences aren’t in place as we would like them to be but it is good to see that we have a great ambition to continue to work with all partners through these difficult times to deliver those flood defences. And we continue to apply for additional money so we can bring in further enhancements.”

Council officers explained the need for the investment in a report.

They said: “The confluence of the River Loxley and the Upper Don’s relatively steep channel, with several weirs and river crossings in the area, results in communities and businesses being at high risk of flooding from flood events that exceed the channel capacity, with river crossings trapping debris and restricting channel conveyance.

“Due to the steep topography of the area, once flood waters leave the river channel they can travel some distance out of the channel, resulting in a widespread impact.

“The most recent flood event occurred in 2007 and resulted in widespread damage to local homes and businesses, causing great distress to residents and forcing many businesses to suspend operations for many months.”

Sheffield is bracing itself for potential flooding following warnings about heavy rain from Storm Christoph.

There are a number of areas highlighted by the Government as being at risk of flooding, including Brighside, Nursery Street and Nursery Lane, Burngreave, Atlas and Attercliffe, Kelham Island, Saville Street, the Wicker including Bridge Street and Millsands.

Any issues on the city’s roads should be reported to the council’s Streets Ahead team on 0114 273 4567.

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