Agenda item

To receive a verbal update on the flooding and green space improvements being made along the Wyke Beck.

Jonathan Moxon, Flood Risk Manager was in attendance and provided the Community Committee with an update and presentation on the measures in place in the city to reduce flood risk, and in particular an overview of the Wyke Beck Valley Programme.

The Wyke Beck Valley Programme is a £4.7million package of works consisting of 3 projects in Leeds; Arthurs Rein, Killingbeck Meadows and Halton Moor. The programme aims to reduce flood risk to existing properties, support housing and economic growth, create new habitat and provide environmental improvements and improve amenity and quality of place. An overview was provided to members on why the Programme was needed, particularly for those residents in areas prone to flooding, such as the Dunhills.

An update on the 3 projects, were highlighted as follows:

·  Arthurs Rein – the scheme involved transforming an underground storm drain into an open channel to help improve capacity and water flow. This scheme had many benefits including creating new habitat, to help connect residents to greenspace and wildlife and opportunities for housing developments;

·  Killingbeck Fields – the scheme included a new flooding control structure and flood storage at Killingbeck Fields Local Nature Reserve. The scheme was designed to hold back and store flood water within the site. The scheme also included new ponds and seasonal wetlands, wildflower and wetland planting, improved paths and seating and interpretation boards.

·  Halton Moor – work on this scheme included new trees, plants, seats and wildflowers as well as improved footpaths and interpretation panels to offer enhanced access and visitor experience. Funding was secured by working in liaison with partners such as the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and the Environmental Agency, in order to provide multiple benefits to the local area.

The Flood Risk Manager concluded by highlighted the positive benefits of each of the schemes in relation to the creation of jobs as a result of the programme, the number of new trees that will be planted across the catchment area and the addition of housing and additional green infrastructure.

Members’ discussions included the following:

·  Responsibility for maintenance of the Wyke Beck – it was noted that the overall responsibility of the Beck maintenance is the Environment Agency. However, in terms of the new flood risk assets, the council had attracted funding as part of the deal for maintenance moving forward and would last approximately 10 years. Parks and Countryside were already working in conjunction with the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust for all three sites;

·  Concern that the schemes will attract anti-social behaviour – it was confirmed that the sites had already seen issues in terms of ASB, particularly from children. Each of the sites have been assessed and the appropriate measures have been put in place and will be monitored regularly in terms of the sites structure;

·  Clarity on whether the jobs and apprenticeships had been created locally – There is ongoing work to strengthen requirements around recruitment, specifically in relation to local labour needing to be a preference. In terms of the wider job roles in the valley, these had been locally sourced;

·  Clarity on the procedure for raising and lowering the flood defences for Killingbeck Fields – It was confirmed that this particular site was designed so that it can operate solely on its own, and was designed to let a set amount of water through. The only time the gate would need to be manually touched, would be for maintenance purposes.

The Chair thanked the Flood Risk Manager for his attendance and update.

RESOLVED – To note the contents of the verbal update.