New multi-million pound flood defences to be built in Sheffield neighbourhoods hit by last November's floods

Labour’s budget has earmarked £22million to protect Sheffield from the expected increased flood risk resulting from climate change.

Some schemes have already been completed - work to protect the lower Don Valley was finished in 2017 and these defences prevented significant damage and disruption last November.

Plans are now underway for the £9 million Upper Don Valley flood protection scheme phase 1 - known as the Lower Loxley defences.

Construction is due to start in July to protect parts of Hillsborough and Owlerton which recently flooded.

A £3m citywide culvert scheme is being developed to improve water flow throughout the city, diverting excess water away from roads and highways.

Coun Mark Jones, Cabinet member for climate change, said: “This money will be invested in protecting the city against the expected increased flood risk that we will face as a result of climate change. Through natural flood management and other measures we will increase our city’s resilience.”

Work will continue on Grey to Green, one of the UK’s largest inner city green streets.

The former inner ring road has already been transformed into a green corridor and £5.2m is now being invested in the Castlegate to Victoria Quays.

Grey to Green increases urban biodiversity, protects people from air pollution, brings down temperatures with vegetation and treats contaminated water.

The Liberal Democrats offered an alternative budget and they would invest money in planting trees, flood defences and improved moorland management.