Amid flood warnings in Sheffield today, the Environment Agency, in collaboration with BAM Construction, have installed temporary flood defences along the River Sheaf near Saxon Road. 

Melted snow and rain from last week have caused water levels to rise in rivers surrounding Sheffield, causing the Environment Agency to warn residents near Beighton to leave their homes if necessary. 

This came after a section of the flood wall collapsed due to heavy rain in early October.

Kimberley MacPherson, South Yorkshire Flood Operations Manager for the Environment Agency, said: “Whilst the temporary defence is in place, Clyde Road will need to be closed, and we apologise for any inconvenience this may cause. Although the road is shut, all businesses remain open.

“Our main priority is the safety of the community, and we will continue to support affected residents and river users and work in close partnership with Sheffield City Council. The footbridge remains closed for public safety.”

The temporary defences ‘aim to reduce flood risk for the surrounding area’ while a permanent replacement is being planned. A permanent solution ‘will take time to design and construct’, but the temporary defences will ‘provide immediate protection’ for homes and businesses.

Ms MacPherson said: “People should check their flood risk, sign up for free flood warnings and keep up to date with the latest situation as well as following @EnvAgency on X, formerly Twitter, for the latest flood updates.” 

Mohamed Edroos, assistant director of highways at Sheffield City Council, said: “The council’s priority continues to be the safety of our communities. We are working with our construction partner, Amey, along with the Environment Agency to ensure minimal impact to residents and businesses while work is ongoing.

“We recognise the need to close some roads temporarily whilst these works happen, and we ask our communities to bear with us until the works are complete and accesses can be made safe again.”

Sign up for flood warnings here.