DRAINS for a flooding plain have become blocked – just four years after being installed by environmental chiefs.

New drainage systems at Todmorden’s Centre Vale Park were unveiled in 2009, as part of proposals to make part of the beauty spot a flood storage area.

But investigations by the Environment Agency (EA) have revealed that some of the silt drains – vertical columns of sand and gravel connecting the surface to an underground system – had become blocked.

Engineers believe that an upper layer of sand has become displaced by surrounding soil which, because it has a high clay content, made it difficult for water to drain away.

Agency officials and their borough council counterparts had hoped the underground drains would be the key to resolving longstanding flooding at Centre Vale.

But the town’s popular agricultural show has already been cancelled for 2013, though the carnival did take place during the last bank holiday weekend.

Andrew Pitts, Calderdale Council’s neighbourhoods head, said: “We are committed to making sure Centre Vale Park is enjoyed by local people now and for years to come.

“We continue to work hard with the Environment Agency to tackle the drainage issues in the park, and we are keeping the community informed.”

Andrew Coen, EA project manager, said: “We understand how important the park is to the local community and, working with our partners at Calderdale Council, we are determined to rectify the problems.”

Another public meeting, to update partners and park users about progress, will be held at the town hall on July 22.