LESSONS have been learned following the Boxing Day floods two years ago, said Bradford Council officers at a meeting of the corporate overview and scrutiny committee this evening.

John Major, assistant director, waste, fleet and transport services with the Council said: “We have learned a lot over the last two years and have put a lot in place.

“Bradford’s flooding was an unusual set of circumstances and it found Bradford Council not as prepared as it should have been.”

Members of the committee received a report on recommendations the scrutiny committee had made in January 2016 to improve the Council’s response to such incidents.

Key improvements include a weekly teleconference call - since January this year - during adverse weather, or a weekly West Yorkshire group email circulated at other times, involving the met Office, Environment Agency, blue light servies and West Yorkshire councils.

When asked about gully clearing tankers, Dave Muzurke, group manager of Highways maintenance acknowledged that these vehicles had been reduced in number from eight to three.

“Three tankers are enough for Bradford in my opinion."

He added leaf fall was a major problem at this time of year.

The committee was told a permanent stock of sand bags and flood sacks is now available for deployment by council staff to manage manor flooding incidents.

They are located at Stockbridge depot, in Keighley, Wakefield Road, in Bradford, and also in Apperley Bridge, Ilkley and Addingham.

The committee noted the progress of the Council and partners and asked for a further update in 12 months time.