Craven District Council’s plans to reduce the risk of flooding by improving the flow of water along Gallow Syke in Aireville Park, have been approved.

Gallow Syke and Ings Beck present a flood risk to areas of Skipton, specifically along the Ings Lane Industrial Estate.

Gallow Syke, a tributary of Ings Beck, originates to the north of Skipton and flows through a series of culverts which are in need of repair to allow them to be safely managed in flood conditions.

The new plans will redesign the culvert entrances so water can be stored temporarily during flood events, delaying its release and reducing the impact on the industrial areas around Engine Shed Lane and Ings Lane.

There will be two main areas of work – adjacent to the Craven Leisure access road, and adjacent to the Leeds Liverpool Canal. There is also some woodland management associated with the works, which are expected to begin later this autumn. Key organisations in the area are being consulted on the programme of works.

The proposals are essential for the delivery of the £5 million Skipton Employment and Housing Growth scheme, funded by the Government’s Local Growth Fund, awarded by the York, North Yorkshire and East Riding Local Enterprise Partnership (YNYER LEP).

This includes upgrading Engine Shed Lane and Ings Lane, connecting Ings Lane to the bypass, improving pedestrian routes from Skipton Railway Station to key destinations, and supporting the redevelopment of the area around the station.

Following completion of the overall scheme, heavy goods vehicles would be diverted away from the town centre with direct access to the Skipton bypass from Engine Shed Lane via the new Wyvern Park development.

Councillor Simon Myers, Craven District Council’s lead member for Enterprising Craven, said: “This work is important for the long-term prosperity of the town. It will greatly reduce the risk of flooding to the west of Skipton, protecting existing homes and businesses. It will also contribute to the wider scheme which will improve vehicle connectivity around Engine Shed Lane and Ings Lane.

“We will be speaking to key organisations in the area to ensure they are aware of the works that are to be carried out and to discuss any issues they may have while the scheme is being implemented.”

Through the scheme the Council will carry out a programme of woodland management and tree planting which as well as allowing the scheme to proceed will encourage greater understory vegetation to grow, increase the diversity in the age of trees and allow light into the watercourse.