MULTI-million pound plans are being drawn up to bolster Keighley's flood defences.

Existing, dated defence mechanisms including walls and embankments are set to be replaced.

The aim is to reduce flood risks for around 460 homes and 290 businesses currently deemed to be in danger, at Stockbridge and in other areas of the town.

There will be a targeted focus on the rivers Aire and Worth, and surface water flooding will also be addressed.

Options are currently being developed and it's expected that an outline business case for the scheme will be put forward for Government approval by the end of next year.

If given the go ahead, construction work should get underway in 2026-27 and completed by late 2030.

The initiative is being developed by the Environment Agency, in partnership with Bradford Council and Yorkshire Water.

Luke Williams, senior flood risk advisor for West Yorkshire at the Environment Agency, says: "Keighley is situated at the confluence of the rivers Aire and Worth and has a long history of flooding.

"The River Worth flood alleviation scheme was constructed in the early 1980s and is made up of raised defences and embankments. These sit alongside some privately-owned walls and buildings which act as barriers. There are also raised defences on the River Aire in Keighley, last refurbished in 2004.

"Whilst these defences have provided protection from flooding over many years, some of them – particularly those on the River Worth – are now nearing the end of their design life.

"We know the devastating impact that flooding can have, which is why protecting people and communities is our top priority."

Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council’s portfolio holder for regeneration, planning and transport, says: "It is vital that we work with partners now to put infrastructure in place to protect our communities from future flooding events, which could become more likely in the changing climate.

"We have been pursuing funding for this vital work in Keighley for some time so I’m delighted with the progress being made."

Millie McCormick, flood risk and engagement engineer at Yorkshire Water, said: "Climate change and sustainability issues must be incorporated into our scheme to ensure future resilience and maximum benefit is provided to our customers."

Landowners in the River Worth catchment area who are interested in exploring natural flood management opportunities should email KASFAS@environment-agency.gov.uk.

People can visit the project's website by searching www.consult.environment-agency.gov.uk/yorkshire/keighley-stockbridgefas