A PIECE of land left badly damaged by floods has been repaired by a council after the owners could not be found.

Calderdale Council finished repairing the derelict culvert under Clough Road, Walsden, Todmorden, last week after failing to locate the landowners.

Responsibility for the land lies with the owners but despite extensive searches of records, they were never traced.

The council worked closely with Network Rail, Northern Rail, St Annes Community Services and a local business-man, to come up with a scheme to give residents peace of mind.

And the works involved removing the derelict culvert, including a section of boundary wall to Cloughside House, laying new concrete culvert sections, rebuilding the wall and reinstating the road. Councillor David Kirton, portfolio holder for regeneration and develop-ment, said: "This is a very unique case.

"Because it is so exceptional, in that the owners of the land could not be traced, Calderdale Council agreed to work with partners to carry out repairs.

"In July 2006 heavy rainfall caused flooding to the railway, Rochdale Road, houses and gardens at Walsden.

"The culvert under Clough Road was severely damaged breaking up the unadopted highway above. "The road was left in a derelict state and while queries were ongoing to trace the owners flooding occurred again.

"I am delighted that work is now finally complete and I am sure my view will be shared by local residents."