Residents in Calderdale are being urged to give their views on a strategy aiming to stop a repeat of the devastating Boxing Day floods.

Calderdale Council is holding six drop in sessions to give local residents and businesses the chance to comment on the Local Flood Risk Management Strategy.

As the lead local flood authority, it has a duty under the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 to develop, maintain, apply and monitor the strategy.

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It aims to tackle local flood risk including from surface water, ground water and watercourses, such as rivers and streams.

The draft strategy can be found on the council website, and the six drop in sessions will be held at Brighouse Civic Centre on July 12, from 1.15pm to 5.15pm, Elland Library on July 14, from 1.15pm to 4.45pm, Mytholmroyd Flood Information Centre on July 18 from 1.15pm to 4.45pm, Hebden Bridge Town Hall on July 20 from 3.45pm to 6.45pm, St Paul’s Methodist Church, Sowerby Bridge on July 21 from 1.15pm to 5.45pm, and Todmorden Town Hall on August 2 from 1.15pm to 5.45pm.

Council cabinet member for regeneration and economic development, Clr Barry Collins, said: “It’s vital that we learn as much as we can from the recent flooding so we can put in place a strategy to protect our communities and make sure they are as resilient as possible.

Flood water at Briggate, Brighouse, in December last year
Flood water at Briggate, Brighouse, in December last year

“We’re keen to receive feedback from local residents and businesses on the proposed strategy. All views expressed in this consultation will be considered as we prepare a final strategy for approval by the cabinet later this year.”

People can also have their say by completing a short questionnaire on the council website or by writing to: Flood Risk Team, Westgate House, Westgate, Halifax HX1 1PS.

The consultation runs until August 8.