A £500,000 scheme to protect businesses in Lockwood from more flooding has been given approval.

In February 2022 several businesses, including The Star pub in Albert Street, were flooded out when torrential rain caused the River Holme to burst its banks.

Water flooded over Queens Mill Road and the drains couldn’t cope with the sheer volume of water. The cellar of the pub was quickly filled with water and it rose to around three inches deep inside the pub itself, leaving a scene of devastation.

As part of a £5.6 million investment in flood defences by West Yorkshire Combined Authority, there will be £526,176 for the Albert Street Flood Alleviation Scheme.

In West Yorkshire approximately 37,000 residential properties and 15,000 commercial properties fall within a flood zone. Lockwood is one of those areas.

The Albert Street scheme will involve the installation of two pipes to redirect flood water back into the River Holme further downstream and reduce the risk of flooding for 28 businesses.

Sam Watt, landlady at The Star pub, surveys the flood damage in 2022 and below Clr Andrew Cooper helps on the day

Green Party councillor Andrew Cooper, whose Newsome ward covers the affected area, welcomed the investment.

Recalling the floods of 2022, he said: “I remember it well as I was on the scene at the time redirecting traffic away from flooded roads.

“Several businesses in the area were badly affected and some businesses were out of action for several months.

“Heavy rainfall events are becoming more frequent due to the impacts of climate change so we need to invest in schemes which make homes and businesses more resilient.”

A report to the Combined Authority said Lockwood falls within the 30% “most deprived neighbourhoods in England” and said the work would “support the protection of investment and jobs in the area.”

Landlady Sam Watt has been left with nightmares after flooding during February’s storms wrecked The Star pub at Folly Hall

The proposals were agreed at a meeting of the regional Climate, Energy and Environment Committee and will bolster a wider £22 million flood alleviation effort announced by West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin last December.

Mayor Brabin said: “With the earth hitting that all-important 1.5 degree tipping point, we know that one in a hundred year floods will become more common.

“So it’s vital that we step up our support for businesses and communities – some of which are still reeling from the devastating Boxing Day floods of 2015.

“While we cannot eradicate extreme weather completely, we can still make a huge difference with the right local support.”

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