Flood victims call for defences

Many homes in Barnsley were devastated by the deluge

People in a South Yorkshire town whose homes were ruined by last year's floods are to hand a petition to the council in a bid to stop future damage.

More than two thousand residents in the Low Valley and Darfield areas of Barnsley have signed a petition calling for flood defences to be built.

On 25 June last year torrential rain caused severe flooding in towns and villages around Barnsley.

Residents also plan to present the petition to the Prime Minister.

Organiser Susan Bradshaw said: "The floods we experienced last year caused untold misery, both emotional and financial, for hundreds of families and the council and other government agencies must make sure this never happens again.

"Our requests are simple - erect flood defences where the rivers broke their banks, dredge the rivers and clear them of rubbish on a regular basis.

"It is vital that we join together to ensure that flood prevention remains high on the council's agenda and at the forefront of people's minds across the region."

Barnsley council said it was working with the Environment Agency and the local community to ensure there are flood measures put in place in the Low Valley area and throughout other parts of the borough.

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