Flood defence scheme work at Otley pushed back to 2021

That has been the reaction to news that a major part of Otley's £3.3 million flood defence scheme is to be delayed until next spring.

The project will include creating a new flood embankment along the west of Billams Hill along with vegetation management on the islands downstream of Otley Weir.

It is designed to reduce the likelihood of the town suffering flooding from the River Wharfe from 20 per cent - a one in five year chance - to four per cent, or a one in 25 year chance.

Work was due to begin shortly after the proposals received planning permission in March but the coronavirus lockdown knocked things back.

Leeds City Council then announced that it was hoping to begin engineering work in October but now says that the 'next available window' won't be until 2021. A spokesperson said: "We remain fully committed to completing this important scheme to protect Otley from the threat of flooding as soon as possible.

"Unfortunately, given the unforeseen issues caused by the coronavirus and the small window of opportunity given the need to respect and not impact on the local wildlife, we will not be able to start the engineering works now until March.

"We would ask everyone for their understanding and patience and would like to thank the community of Otley for their ongoing support as we look to deliver this vital scheme to benefit everyone."

Flood risk advisor at the Environment Agency, John Woods, added: "We have worked hard to keep the scheme on track for an autumn start but the impact of current circumstances means that unfortunately this is no longer possible.

"While this news will undoubtedly cause some uncertainty for residents and businesses that were flooded in 2015, we will continue to work with them to ensure that they are as protected and resilient as possible over winter. Preparatory work will continue so that we can hit the ground running in spring. This will also increase our confidence of a swift construction phase so that the area gets the protection it needs as soon as possible."

Reacting to the news, Councillor Colin Campbell (Lib Dem, Otley & Yeadon) said: "I am disappointed that there is another delay in implementing the scheme because of the concerns it will raise with residents.

"However, we are currently working in difficult times so a delay may be necessary to protect both those doing the work and the surrounding environment."

The project is being managed by the city council, the Environment Agency and engineering consultants WSP and being delivered by principal contractor BMMjv.

Funding for the work has been provided by the Government, the Regional Flood and Coastal Committee and Leeds City Council.

To receive updates on the Otley Flood Alleviation Scheme send an e-mail to FRM@leeds.gov.uk.