WORK is to start next month on Otley's flood alleviation scheme.

Construction was due to begin shortly after the proposals were approved in March last year but the scheme had been set back by lockdown.

Leeds City Council said last year it was hoping to begin engineering work in October 2020 but then the start date was delayed again until 2021.

Now councillors have been told construction will begin on Monday, March 8. The project, which is a major part of Otley's £3.3 million flood defence scheme, involves a flood defence embankment running parallel with Billams Hill and the management of vegetation on the islands downstream at Otley Weir. The measures will cut the risk of flooding to properties on Farnley Lane and Bridge Avenue.

The scheme is being led by Leeds City Council in partnership with the Environment Agency and BAM Nuttall and Mott McDonald joint venture.

Construction is expected to be completed by November and contractors will be on site between 8am and 6pm, Monday to Friday and 8am and 1pm on Saturdays. The council says Covid-19 safety measures will be in place during the work to help keep staff and the public safe.

Otley and Yeadon ward councillors Sandy Lay, Colin Campbell and Ryk Downes have welcomed the news that work is finally to start.

"Following the disastrous floods of 2015 we were promised that a scheme would be brought forward quickly", said Cllr Lay.

"Unfortunately it has taken some time to work out the details and Covid 19 has not helped. This must have been a source of concern for residents every time the level of the river rose to a dangerous height. A start date for the work will bring comfort to residents and hopefully the scheme can be finished by the autumn."

Cllr Campbell added:"We are pleased the works will be in two phases to minimise disruption. We are also keen to ensure that the landscaping works are designed to improve biodiversity with appropriate tree planting and work to Kell Beck to open it up for wildlife".

Cllr Downes said: "It is also important to ensure that access for the likes of Otley Show, the carnival and the fair are maintained.We appreciate this year will be difficult for them but hopefully 2022 will mean a return to normality for these popular local events."