Story: Douglas Johnson
Businesses from Nursery Street, the Wicker and Don Valley have voted to pay higher business rates so flood defences can go ahead.
Businesses along this section of river were devastated by the 2007 floods. Some flood prevention work has already been carried out – the new “pocket park” at Nursery Street is designed specially to help prevent flooding.
The next stage is to protect against more risks of flooding due to the more extreme weather patterns expected as a result of climate change. An example of physical flood defences is raising the wall along Nursery St. There will also be maintenance along the river for the next five years.
82% of businesses that voted were in favour. They will now have to pay an extra levy on their business rates, either 2.25% or 0.75%, depending on location. Small businesses with a rateable value of under £12,000 will be exempt from the extra rates. The Government will pay most of the money for the scheme. The work will take place in 2014 and 2015.