Work begins on damaged Rotherham flood defence

The Environment Agency has begun work to repair the base of a flood defence, after the flood eroded soil from the riverbank.

A section of the bank will also be reinforced to prevent future erosion if pumps are used at the site to reduce flood risk in future.

Works are planned to start from 4 May and are expected to take around two weeks depending on weather conditions.

The works will take place on the River Rother from Treeton Lane to Poplar Way in Catcliffe.

Lianne Grogan, Upper Don and Rother catchment advisor for the Environment Agency, said:“These works are important as part of our recovery works programme to repair our existing flood defences.

“We’ve worked closely with specialist teams to consider flood risk, fish and wildlife. This his approach ensures the works to repair the flood defence is done in a way that minimises impacts on the environment. It also gives us an opportunity to enhance the local environment through encouraging wildflower growth.”

This work is part of a £32 million programme of recovery works across Yorkshire to repair defences damaged by the floods in November 2019 and February 2020.

Since November 2019 officers have inspected over 3,000 flood defence assets along the Rivers Don, Rother and Aire, carried out urgent repairs, and continued work to improve flood defences.