80M river defences are to be built in Leeds to stave off potentially "catastrophic" flooding.
Riverside walls and earth embankments will go up at points most in danger from the River Aire and improved drainage aims to cut the risk of flooding from surface water.
The work will start following an investigation by the Environment Agency (EA) and is expected to be finished by 2010-2011.
Flood defence blueprints are also being drawn up for other "at risk" areas lower down the Aire and on the River Calder.
The plans follow publication of a report from the EA into floods in June and July this year, and in2000.
The agency is working with Leeds City Council and emergency services on the plans which will include protection of electricity and water supplies, and sewage disposal.
Most of the funding is expected to come from the Government but businesses and local councils who stand to benefit will also be asked to contribute.
In addition Leeds City Council has updated its city centre emergency evacuation plan.
The report says 2,000 houses and 1,000 businesses are at most risk in the city.
The agency has identified areas at gravest risk: Leeds city station, The Calls, most of the city centre and parts of Kirkstall valley.
The EA estimates that for every pound spent on defences in Leeds six pounds in damage will be saved.
Construction work on the flood defences is expected to cause considerable disruption in the city.
The full article contains 355 words and appears in the newspaper. Last Updated: 07 December 2007 9:39 AM
http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/80m-to-prevent-floods-disaster.3566090.jp
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