DROP-in events to offer support to Calderdale residents and businesses who were hit by serious flooding by Storm Ciara have been cancelled for the time being.

A number of drop-ins organised by the Environment Agency have already been held but the decision to postpone the remaining three has been taken because to help protect the communities, particularly those who are elderly or vulnerable, from COVID-19.

Drop-in events were due to be held today at Hebden Bridge Town Hall, on Thursday at Brighouse Civic Hall and on Friday at Sowerby Bridge Cricket Club.

But the Environment Agency they would work with partners to re-arrange the events when the health emergency situation improves.

Jo Arnold, senior flood risk adviser for Calderdale, said: “It is really disappointing to have to postpone these events as we had a good turnout to the ones held last week in Mytholmroyd, Elland and Todmorden and they were really useful.

“We will work with our partners to rearrange these drop-ins as they were a great opportunity for us to listen to both residents and businesses to find out more about how they were affected by the recent flood event, which will help us to plan further flood protection measures.”

Support for victims of Storms Dennis and Ciara

Teams from the Environment Agency took part in last week’s drop-ins working with representatives from partner organisations including Calderdale Council, Yorkshire Water, Canal and River Trust, Healthy Minds and Flood Wardens.

Last night’s meeting (Monday, March 16) of Calderdale Council Cabinet also discussed flooding issues including a vow that issues people raised at a recent Flooding Scrutiny Panel event would be taken forward.

Members of the communities are urged to sign up to the free flood warning service by visiting https://www.gov.uk/sign-up-for-flood-warnings or contacting Floodline by calling 0345 988 1188.