Home / Environment / Park Reopens After Flood Defenses Installed
Park Reopens After Flood Defenses Installed
29 Jul
Summary
- Wellholme Park in Brighouse now has improved flood storage.
- New measures include redesigned channels and removed weirs.
- Park enhancements aim to protect homes and businesses from floods.
Wellholme Park in Brighouse has officially reopened following substantial flood improvement works designed to enhance local flood resilience. The natural flood management measures implemented include the creation of new flood storage areas, the removal of obsolete weirs, and the redesign of the river channel to promote more natural water flow.
These crucial upgrades are part of a partnership between the Environment Agency and Calderdale Council, specifically targeting the reduction of flood risk for the homes and businesses situated in Brighouse. Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin, highlighted the importance of investing in landscapes to mitigate the impact of increasing extreme weather events.
Beyond flood defenses, the park has been transformed with wetland and wildflower meadows, fostering a more bio-diverse habitat. Clifton Beck's improvements now support a healthier fish population, while overall access to the park has been enhanced, creating more welcoming spaces for visitors throughout the year.
The project, which also enhanced neighbouring Whinney Hill Park, faced delays. A multi-million-pound report indicated a revised completion date of March 2028, partly due to an adolescent badger's burrow and issues with material quality, alongside disruption from Storm Claudia in November 2025.
