Multi-million-pound plans to bolster Keighley's flood defences

Existing, dated defence mechanisms including walls and embankments are set to be replaced, and additional measures implemented.

The aim is to reduce flood risks for around 460 homes and 290 businesses currently deemed to be in danger, at Stockbridge and in other areas of the town.

Targeted would be the rivers Aire and Worth, and surface water flooding would also be addressed.

Options are currently being developed and it's expected that an outline business case for the scheme will be put forward for Government approval by the end of next year.

If given the go ahead, construction work should get underway in 2026-27 and be complete by late 2030.

A website has been launched to keep the community updated on the proposals.

Behind the initiative is the Environment Agency, in partnership with Bradford Council and Yorkshire Water.

Luke Williams, senior flood risk advisor for West Yorkshire at the Environment Agency, says: "Keighley is situated at the confluence of the rivers Aire and Worth and has a long history of flooding.

"The River Worth flood alleviation scheme was constructed in the early 1980s and is made up of raised defences and embankments. These sit alongside some privately-owned walls and buildings which act as barriers. There are also raised defences on the River Aire in Keighley, which were last refurbished in 2004.

"Whilst these defences have provided protection from flooding over many years, some of them – particularly those on the River Worth – are now nearing the end of their design life.

"As well as reducing the risk of flooding by refurbishing or replacing these existing defences, this scheme also aims to lessen the risk from surface water when it is unable to drain away through the drainage network. We will also explore options in the upper catchment area, such as natural flood management, to slow the flow and help manage the impacts of climate change.

"We know the devastating impact that flooding can have, which is why protecting people and communities is our top priority.

"The new website, at consult.environment-agency.gov.uk/yorkshire/keighley-stockbridgefas, will provide updates on progress to the community and details of when people can get the opportunity to comment on proposals."

Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council’s portfolio holder for regeneration, planning and transport, says: "It is vital that we work with partners now to put infrastructure in place to protect our communities from future flooding events, which could become more likely in the changing climate, especially in places like Stockbridge where we know there is a higher flood risk.

"We have been pursuing funding for this vital work in Keighley for some time so I’m delighted with the progress being made. The website is a great way to help people follow the development of the new scheme and to find out how they can share their views."

Millie McCormick, flood risk and engagement engineer at Yorkshire Water, says the company is "delighted" to be working with other risk management authorities on the scheme.

She adds: "Climate change and sustainability issues must be incorporated into our scheme to ensure future resilience and maximum benefit is provided to our customers, hence why this project is looking at natural flood management and monitoring the water flow to reduce the risk of flooding."

Natural flood management could take several forms, including targeted tree planting, soil aeration and wetlands or water storage features.

The project team is keen to hear from any landowners in the River Worth catchment area interested in exploring natural flood management opportunities on their land – email KASFAS@environment-agency.gov.uk.