Plans to strengthen flood defences at Whiston have taken a step forward with Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council appointing Esh Construction to complete the £3.1m Whiston Brook Flood Alleviation Scheme, through the YORcivil3 framework.

Whiston Brook, a tributary of the River Rother which flows through the centre of Whiston, has been affected by recurring flooding over the years. Most recently, Whiston experienced significant floods in October 2023, with high water levels exacerbated by surface water runoff and pressure on existing drainage infrastructure. Flooding has previously impacted homes, businesses and the local road network, including Howarth Road and Long Lane.

The project will introduce a series of targeted interventions at key locations to manage water flow more effectively, reduce peak flood levels and improve resilience across the surrounding area. Works will be delivered across three main sites.

At Worrygoose Lane, works will increase the amount of water the pipe culvert can handle. This includes new and upgraded culverts, alongside the construction of a flood wall and embankment, as well as improvements where a smaller watercourse from Sitwell Golf Course joins the brook.

Upstream of the village, a new flood storage area will be created on farmland at Royds Moor Farm. This will temporarily hold floodwater during heavy rainfall and release it gradually, helping reduce the volume and the speed of water flowing through Whiston. The brook will also be reshaped to allow it to flow more naturally through this area.

Further improvements include diverting surface water infrastructure, upgrading the B6410 Royds Moor Hill crossing to improve flood resilience, and making smaller changes at nearby road crossings to reduce surface water build‑up.

Cllr Lynda Marshall, Cabinet Member for Street Scene and Green Spaces at Rotherham Council, said: “We know flooding has been worrying for people living in Whiston, and we understand how it has affected people’s lives. This scheme is an important step in helping to reduce flooding in the future. It will help manage water during heavy rain and protect homes, businesses and local roads.

“We’re pleased to be working with Esh Construction on this project. We will keep residents updated during the works and will do our best to keep disruption to a minimum.”

Steven Garrigan, Divisional Director at Esh Construction, said: “Whiston has experienced the very real impacts of flooding in recent years, and this scheme will play a vital role in better protecting residents, businesses and local infrastructure. By combining flood storage, improved conveyance and naturalised watercourse enhancements, the project takes a holistic approach to managing flood risk while also delivering environmental benefits. We’re pleased to be working with Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council to deliver a solution that supports long-term resilience for the village.”

It is anticipated that when the project completes, the Whiston Brook Flood Alleviation Scheme will significantly reduce flood risk through the village centre and limit the effects of high rainfall causing flooding in Whiston by storing the water in an upstream reservoir and slowly releasing it.

To find out more about Esh Construction, visit www.eshgroup.co.uk

Pictures from Esh Construction and Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council.