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£80m to prevent floods disaster
£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 in 2000.
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.
It states: "Leeds is a major economic centre...and significant flooding in the city centre would be catastrophic.
"Potential changes in our climate and weather patterns, as a result of climate change, look likely to cause more severe storms and heavier rains.
"This could put many homes and businesses in the city at greater risk of flooding. If we do nothing the financial effects of climate change will be significant."
The agency has identified areas at gravest risk: Leeds city station, The Calls, most of the city centre and parts of Kirkstall valley.
Mike Dugher of the EA said: "The land around the river in Kirkstall Road is a bit higher but if water does come over it can run down to the city centre."
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.
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Weather for Leeds
Friday 25 May 2012
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