Flood defence plan set to receive funding

A flood defence scheme designed to protect 53 homes in South Yorkshire is expected to receive £3m funding.

The village of Whiston saw significant flooding in October 2023 and Rotherham Borough Council said the area continued to be at risk when the brook is overwhelmed during intense rainfall.

A fund paid into by developers alongside planning permission fees would be used to pay for the scheme, the council said.

Under the proposals, there would be a new retaining wall built at Worrygoose Lane, a flood storage reservoir to hold excess water, and improvements made at Royds Moor Culvert.

A council report said bad weather during Storm Babet in 2023 led to a significant rise in river levels, causing Whiston Brook to overflow and leading to internal flooding in 10 homes.

The surrounding area was also fully saturated due to recent rainfall events, causing excess surface water run-off, the report said.

Councillor Lynda Marshall, cabinet spokesperson for street scene and green spaces, said: "The Whiston Brook scheme will reduce flood risk to dozens of homes from the devastating impact of flooding, making a real difference to people's lives."

In 2021, the council allocated nearly £6m of funding to develop plans for flood alleviation schemes across the area, including at Whiston.

Council officers have recommended funding for the scheme be approved at a meeting on 19 January.

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