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Otley flood prevention work delayed until April 2021

Flood prevention work in Otley, set to start in September 2020, has been rescheduled for April 2021.

The work, which can only take place during “two windows of opportunity in a year” missed the original slot due to Covid19-related delays. 

The area, which suffered severe flooding in 2015, was promised up to £2million worth of investment in a flood prevention scheme.

Over 50 properties were damaged during the floods and the recent delays mean the residents of the riverside town remain at risk for an additional eight months.

In a statement Leeds city council wrote: “We have long been hopeful that we could achieve the September 2020 window, but the delays encountered with Covid-19 have been enough to no longer make that possible.”

“We’re incredibly sorry that we’ve been unable to mobilise the site this year […] but with unprecedented times come unexpected impacts.”

The limited windows of opportunity are necessary in order for the project to avoid disturbing local wildlife species during vulnerable seasons.

Therefore, work which does not affect the local wildlife will still be able to progress in the meantime. 

Leeds City Council has been working closely with the Environment Agency in order to minimise the ecological impact of the project.

This involves considering species such as bats, fish and birds who are native to the area. 

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