OTLEY'S MP has expressed concern about the strength of the Leeds area's flood defences.

Greg Mulholland (Lib Dem, Leeds North West) recently tabled a question to Environment Secretary Andrea Leadsom asking if any of the region's flood defences had been identified as inadequate.

Floods Minister Therese Coffey, responding on behalf of the department, said: "In all but two locations in Leeds City Region, existing flood defences have been returned to at least the same standard of protection that existed before the 2015 flooding."

Mr Mulholland, who has also criticised the Government's scrapping of 'flood envoys' for Yorkshire, said that answer would do little to reassure local residents - including many in Otley - who were affected by the floods of Boxing Day, 2015.

He said: "It is a worrying admission from ministers that, after a whole year, two flood defences in Leeds City Region have still not been fully repaired.

"I am also concerned that all other flood defences have been restored to the same standard as the year when the flooding happened!

"The response from ministers will not inspire confidence in local residents and businesses who were badly affected by the last bout of flooding that the Government has undertaken the thorough and serious preparation that I, and other local MPs, called for.

"I know our incredible emergency services stand ready to help if we see flooding again, but ministers must ensure that they do not need to - and that proper contingency plans are in place to protect every part of Leeds City Region that is vulnerable to flooding."

Dozens of riverside homes in Otley had to be evacuated during the last floods, with some residents having to live in alternative accommodation for the best part of a year to allow the necessary repairs.

Householders were given cause to celebrate last November, however, when the Government announced that the town was to receive £2 million for flood protection work.

More details about the scheme, which has a completion date of 2020, are still to be announced.