Hebden Bridge Flood Prevention Plans
Thursday 6 March 2025
Hebden Bridge has been hit by a series of devastating floods over the past 15 years. Notably, there were two floods in 2012, the infamous Boxing Day Flood of 2015, and another in February 2020. During this period, there have also been numerous flood alerts and warnings issued.
As well as the rivers Calder and Hebden Water, which converge near the centre of Hebden Bridge, there's also the canal. With heavy rainfall, water cascades down from the surrounding hills, posing a persistent risk of flooding. This situation is being exacerbated by the effects of climate change.
The Environment Agency is now drafting plans to make changes throughout our town. These changes, it is hoped, will help reduce the impact of heavy rainfall in the future.
The June 2012 flood - Photo: HebWeb
Click photo to enlarge
Initial plans have been on view at the Town Hall for the past two Thursdays, with staff from the Environment Agency on hand to answer questions.
The plans are expected to go to Calderdale Council within 2-3 months. A spokesman from the Environment Agency told the HebWeb that if the plans are approved, work should commence in 2026 and continue for 4-5 years! This, he said, was probably a conservative estimate.
Hole in the Wall, Packhorse Bridge and Old Gate - if plans are approved
Some key features and issues:
- Glass walls will replace existing walls along Old Gate
- Extensive removal of vegetation along the rivers - ie removal of trees
- Parking will be lost. No parking along Old Gate. 7 fewer places in the St Pol car park. Fewer places in the Co-op car park. During the period of construction, there will be further loss of car parking.
- Loss of amenities in Calder Holmes park: parts of the park, namely the area currently used for football, is to be used for construction works. This is likely to impact on events held in the park.
- Rising barriers on either bank of water at the Old Bridge - hidden underground when not in use.
- Fountain Street footbridge to be replaced
- Extensive flood wall behind the Methodist Church
- With no parking along Old Gate, there will be a wider footpath
- Strengthening of walls along Valley Road from Bridge Mill with more "vegetation removal".
- Strengthening of George's Bridge.
- Disruption to Hebden Bridge lasting for several years.
The wavy steps, when the barriers are up
Further news and info will be posted on the HebWeb as it becomes available
Boxing Day 2015 - Photo: HebWeb
See also
HebWeb Forum: Flood Alleviation Scheme
Hebweb Feature: Boxing Day Floods 2015
July 2012 Flood, as it happened