A NEW 500-metre flood wall is being planned to protect part of Todmorden from fresh flooding.

Back in 2000 the River Calder broke its banks in the Calderdale town, causing millions of pounds worth of damage and causing 80 homes to be evacuated.

Now the third phase of a major scheme to bolster Todmorden’s flood defences has been unveiled by the Environment Agency.

If proposals are approved, a wall, measuring from 1.2m to 2.8m, will be constructed along Rochdale Road, between Shade school and the Morrison’s supermarket.

Work will also be undertaken to strengthen the culverts which take Walsden Water underneath the town centre.

Project manager Will Benedikz said: “While there will inevitably be some disruption during construction, it will be kept to a minimum and will result in long term benefits for the whole town as the risks and effects of flooding are significantly reduced.”

The first two phase of the scheme saw flood storages created at Centre Vale Park and Millwood and other flood walls along Sackville Street, River Street and Commercial Street.