OTLEY residents are to get another chance to influence the town’s much-anticipated Flood Alleviation scheme.

Leeds City Council is almost ready to submit an outline business case for the project and an outline planning application* - but first wants to hear more from local people.

Investigative and preparatory work has been going on ever since the Government announced, in 2016, that it would provide £2 million for Otley’s defences following three floods at the end of 2015.

Last year it was announced that four options - involving embankments, flood defence walls, river maintenance and riverbank realignment - were being considered.

The council will give an update on the scheme at the Otley Core, on Orchard Gate, on Thursday, February 28.

Leeds City Council Leader Councillor Judith Blake said: “This is a project to provide protection and reassurance against the risk of flooding to all of the community in and around Otley, so we are very keen to continue having our residents and businesses involved in shaping the plans as they develop.

“I would encourage as many people as possible to come along, find out more and discuss it with the team.”

Running from 1pm to 7pm, the event will be attended by council officers and representatives from the Environment Agency, Yorkshire Water and consultants WSP.

Flood risk officer with the Environment Agency, John Woods, said: “We are committed to keeping the local community updated on progress around the development of a flood alleviation scheme for Otley.

“This event will give residents another opportunity to meet and ask questions of our team, and also allow us to gather valuable feedback.”

Project manager with WSP, Paul Swift, added: “We are very proud to be working in this multi-agency partnership to help protect Otley from future flooding.”

*The authority plans to submit both in April.