Pudsey resident describes night of fear as 20 residents from Troydale estate help save homes from floods

Residents have shown incredible community spirit to save their homes from devastating flooding in Pudsey this weekend.
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Heavy rain throughout Saturday caused areas prone to flooding to be at a huge risk - with Troydale Lane in Pudsey and Branch Road in Wortley two of the worst hit areas.

The YEP spoke to residents at both locations on Sunday - with the community spirit of local residents praised across social media as news of their struggles spread.

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In Pudsey, councillor Simon Seary - along with a crew of around 20 residents of a neighbouring estate - created a temporary flood barrier using sandbags donated by local business Farmac.

resident Craig Hustwit, 37, said "community spirit" was the main factor in stopping the flooding - with residents from across the estate pitching in to help.resident Craig Hustwit, 37, said "community spirit" was the main factor in stopping the flooding - with residents from across the estate pitching in to help.
resident Craig Hustwit, 37, said "community spirit" was the main factor in stopping the flooding - with residents from across the estate pitching in to help.

Water had flooded the street and was "knee deep" according to residents, having flowed over the top of a wall at a public footpath.

The fire service and police both arrived and assisted at the scene.

However, resident Craig Hustwit, 37, said "community spirit" was the main factor in stopping the flooding - with residents from across the estate pitching in to help.

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Speaking outside his home, Craig told the YEP: "It was almost one year to the day since it last flooded.

resident Craig Hustwit, 37, said "community spirit" was the main factor in stopping the flooding - with residents from across the estate pitching in to help.resident Craig Hustwit, 37, said "community spirit" was the main factor in stopping the flooding - with residents from across the estate pitching in to help.
resident Craig Hustwit, 37, said "community spirit" was the main factor in stopping the flooding - with residents from across the estate pitching in to help.

"It was knee deep, I had my waders on!

"People were fearing it might reach the top of their walls [and into their homes].

"It started flooding at about 1pm.

"At about 5, we started realising the water was coming over the top of the beck.

"Everybody was out helping, it is not just our estate, it is everyone's."

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Along with around 20 other residents, Craig helped to create a temporary sandbag barrier along the footpath to contain the water.

The fire service also helped at the scene to ensure no water reached the homes of residents.

Craig, an Operations Director, added: "Farmac should be credited too.

"They brought more than 200 sandbags, two pallets, it was a massive help."

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Craig said it was an amazing community effort to make sure none of the properties were flooded.

However, he called on Leeds Council to help strengthen the defences at the footpath in the future.

He said: "It has only flooded once before while I have been here, I have lived here for just over three years.

"What are we going to do if it floods again?

"[The council] need to extend the wall so we have a bit more leeway.

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"Even if it keeps it under a foot deep when it floods, it means I won't need my waders!"

Councillor Simon Seary - who helped with the efforts - said the temporary sandbag wall had given "residents some peace that it wouldn’t break again".

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