The Calder Valley is a steep-sided valley which reacts very quickly to sudden outbreaks of rain. This results in the steep hillside roads becoming de facto rivers, as the run-off from the fields and woodland soon cascades down the roads.
One area in particular affects the main A646 road as it runs through Hebden Bridge, resulting in surface water flooding an important retail area. Water cascades down this hillside road at speed and overshoots the drains built into the road surface. The water then floods Market Street, affecting traders and households.
FlexiFlood flood defence blocks have been supplied to the Flood Warden and his team at Hebden Bridge. The Hebden Bridge Flood Wardens are a group of volunteers who support the local area during times of flooding. Visit their Facebook Page here: https://www.facebook.com/people/Hebden-Bridge-Flood-Wardens/61581045466730/
Not only is FlexiFlood a practical alternative to sandbags, it's eco-friendly, too! Our FlexiFlood flood defence blocks are manufactured from recycled tyres - saving them from being sent to landfills or burnt.
The flood volunteers speedily deploy the FlexiFlood flood defence blocks to form catchments around the drains, slowing the flow of water. This allows the drains to actually take the water into the drainage system and away from Market Street, Hebden Bridge.
Once the risk of flooding was over, the volunteers cleaned the blocks and returned them to the storage ready for the next time they are needed.
“As a pragmatic retired Fire Brigade officer (an old war horse) with extensive experience of dealing with emergencies, I find the FlexiFlood blocks to be one of our most useful and adaptable tools in responding to flooding. They are easy and speedy to deploy and adaptable in forming a shaped barrier which directs water away from vulnerable areas. Also, importantly, they are durable and re-usable.”
Andrew Entwistle
Flood Warden, Hebden Bridge
The UK Flood Defence Alliance is a UK-based organisation that exists to help property owners and professionals choose effective solutions to protect buildings and infrastructure from flooding. It supports a wide range of people and groups affected by flood risk - including homeowners, business owners, local authorities, builders, architects, campaign groups and property managers - by providing guidance and access to flood defence products and case studies.
In this case study from UK Flood Defence Alliance, featuring Andrew Entwistle, the Flood Warden for Hebden Bridge, who presented at the Carlisle Flood Expo, he explains how Hebden Bridge is especially prone to sudden surface-water flooding due to its steep valley and fast run-off during heavy rain.
Andrew talks through how local flood volunteers respond quickly when flooding threatens Market Street, using practical, reusable tools rather than traditional sandbags. The focus is on what actually works on the ground - quick deployment, flexibility, and being ready for the next storm.
The post highlights how solutions like FlexiFlood are already being used successfully by flood wardens and volunteer teams, showing their value in real emergencies rather than just theory.
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