A FLOOD plan is being drawn up to help Otley and the Wharfe Valley cope with future high water fall.

The Environment Agency (EA) confirmed the move this week in a letter to MP Greg Mulholland (Lib Dem, Leeds North West).

Mr Mulholland had held a meeting, also attended by the EA, with Floods Minister Rory Stewart about the issue on April 11.

Otley was one of the worst places affected locally by Boxing Day floods last year, in which a swollen River Wharfe burst its banks and cascaded into a number of homes and businesses.

In its message to the MP, the EA says: "We will be working with flood groups in Otley to support the development of a flood plan and recruitment of flood wardens."

It goes on to also confirm a newsletter will be created to keep local flood groups and resident associations informed about the progress of the scheme.

Mr Mulholland said: "Following the meeting I secured with Floods Minister Rory Stewart, the Environment Agency has written to confirm it is developing a flood plan for Otley.

"I very much welcome this.

"It is crucial we take the necessary preparations to deal with any future flooding that may hit Otley or the surrounding areas.

"I want to thank the agency for all the work it has undertaken to help Otley and other towns recover from the Christmas flooding.

"I look forward to continuing to work with it as it develops the flood plan and undertakes other necessary work to protect Otley."

Otley Town Council announced earlier this month that its bid with Oxford University for funding for a study into the causes – and possible ways of alleviating – local flooding had been successful.

That £49,670 project is due to begin in September and last eight months, and town council chairman, Councillor Ray Georgeseon (Lib Dem, Danefield), is looking forward to seeing its findings incorporated by the EA.

He said: "The town council warmly welcomes the news from the agency that more flood planning work will be done in Otley.

"As they formulate their plans and engage with the community, we look forward to an early discussion to ensure the modelling project we have launched with Oxford University is fully integrated into their planning.

"Getting a sustainable and cost-effective flood mitigation programme for Otley is everyone's objective, and we appreciate the priority given by the EA."