Meeting to prevent further flooding in Otley

Leeds North West MP Greg Mulholland will today lead a meeting of MPs from along the River Wharfe to see floods minister Rory Stewart.

Yorkshire was one of the country’s worst hit areas after repeated flooding during December. In Otley, Boxing Day saw the River Wharfe rise to over two metres- triple its usual height. The result was significant damage to homes in Otley, and farmland in lower Wharfedale was also underwater.

Greg secured the meeting with Rory Stewart to discuss how to better prepare for future rainfall, to reduce the risk and impact of flooding, and to better protect homes and businesses at risk. This applies not only to Otley, but also to other communities along the Wharfe. The meeting will be held at the offices of the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Following the recent floods, Greg paid tribute to the work of the emergency services, and local volunteers who were recently recognised by being represented at a special reception in 10 Downing Street.

Ahead of his meeting with the minister, Greg said:

“I look forward to meeting the floods minister Rory Stewart MP. The overflowing of the River Wharfe in December caused significant damage to our region. I will be making the case for the minister to look very carefully at how to better prepare for future rainfall and reduce the risk of flooding, as well as the damage done and I’m pleased other MPs from along the Wharfe will also be there to do the same so we look at the river and catchment as a whole.

MPs from along the river, including myself, will all be. We will be discussing all measures which can better prepare and protect Otley, and other communities along the Wharfe, such as Tadcaster, which was very badly hit. If the current preparations are not enough, as was clearly the case in December, then we need to bring DEFRA, the Environment Agency and local councils together to discuss the best plan for better protecting communities along the Wharfe.”

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