The Yorkshire Post says: Turning the tide '“ a new flooding strategy takes root in Leeds
THE economic case for building new flood defences in Leeds was already overwhelming before hundreds of homes and businesses were wrecked when Storm Eva struck in December 2015 with devastating consequences.
Yet the environmental case is just as compelling after it emerged that two million trees could be planted along the upper reaches of the River Aire to reduce the flow of water through vulnerable communities further downstream – Pickering’s pilot project has already shown that the tide can be turned when nature takes its course.
With Michael Gove proving to be a far more enlightened Environment Secretary than Liz Truss who headed Defra at the time of floods, and Leeds MPs headed by Rachel Reeves pointing out in a constructive letter to the Cabinet minister that this plan can complement the Northern Forest, there’s a rare chance for a new approach to take root.
Over to you, Mr Gove.