Drastic solutions sought to end Ilkley flooding (From Advertiser Series)

Drastic solutions sought to end Ilkley flooding

12:34pm Thursday 25th June 2009

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More drastic solutions are being sought to end flooding in Ilkley after flood prevention work failed to stop a stream overflowing.

Recent work to widen Backstone Beck and stop debris blocking the waterway under Leeds Road failed to prevent water bursting out of the stream, threatening homes and businesses nearby, in a torrential downpour on Monday.

Businesses and homes on Leeds Road and Ashlands Road were spared a repeat of floods in 2007, which caused thousands of pounds of damage.

But flooding was averted by the actions of a resident, who waded in to clear debris from the channel.

Environment Agency officer Phil Edwards, said some work had been done and the agency was in discussion with Bradford Council about longer-term solutions.

Ilkley ward councillor and Bradford Council environment chief, Councillor Anne Hawkesworth, promised to press for more flood prevention work on the stream.

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