Urgent repair works continue on a junction of the River Sheaf near Lowfield as temporary emergency flood defences have been installed following significant repeated flood damage to the river bank walls.

Demolition works have been completed on the former Antiques Emporium site at Clyde Road adjacent to the River Sheaf junction.

Demolition site on Clyde Road December 2025

The Environment Agency (EA) acquired the land and ordered the former thriving business’s demolition following a severe flood caused by Storm Ashley in October 2024 to repair significant damage to the left bank wall.

Piles of rocks have been dropped into the river where the hole was and a bund has been installed around the site as temporary flood protection measures following further major damage to the left bank wall by Storm Claudia in November.

The Clyde Road/Broadfield Road Junction December 2025

Problems with the river wall stretch back years, and concerns have been raised over the effect further floods could have on surrounding businesses.

There are further worries over the effect repairs might have on the electrical supply, as the junction is located next to an electrical sub-station.

History of the Broadfield Road/ Clyde Road Junction:

The issue was first raised in 2021 when the Sheaf and Porter Rivers Trust reported a crack in the right hand wall.

The EA installed large pipes as a temporary measure.

In 2022, Storm Eunice caused tree trunks and logs to fall into the river near Broadfield Road , causing it to rise and nearly overflow.

The Environment Agency undertook work to repair the right hand wall by installing steel sheet piling backed by concrete.

River Sheaf metal sheets February 2022, Photo Credits: Andy Buck

In October 2024, Storm Ashley caused a section of the left bank wall on the opposite side to be ripped away and damage to the 100-year-old footbridge, debris falling into the river.

The EA reconstructed the left wall to make it more resistant.

Clyde Road was closed following the flood and has remained shut for over a year, but is due to reopen by the end of 2025.

In August, the EA issued a Compulsory Purchase Order on the Antiques Emporium and its land, causing the business to close.

They then began demolition works on the property.

In November this year, damage from Storm Claudia resulted in large sections of the wall falling into the river, with a 2m deep cavity under the right bank wall underneath the power sub-station.

River Sheaf Wall November 2025, Photo Credits Andy Buck

Local Reaction:

Alex Jackson is Managing Director of Wolf Safety Lamp Company Ltd based at Saxon Road a minute’s walk from the junction.

Mr Jackson has become more concerned about the risks of flooding for his business in recent years.

His company building is situated next to the power sub-station so has invested in additional defences for his company.

Wolf Safety Lamp Company Ltd’s additonal temporary flood defence

He said the situation is at a “five-year low,” and the site was currently an “eyesore,” but acknowledges the processes the Environment Agency must undertake.

He added: “I want the river to be safer and for the site to be turned into a nice area for the community and for people to enjoy.”

Andy Buck, a spokesperson for The Sheaf and Porter Rivers Trust, said the Trust has had good communication with the Environment Agency, and said the purchase of the Antiques Emporium land was necessary to repair the damage done by the storms.

Sheffield City Council have stated: “Since the flood wall failures at Broadfield Road/Clyde Road, the EA remains in close contact with Sheffield City Council and are keeping us informed as the repair works continue with weekly briefings.

“We have assisted the EA in providing newsletters to Councillors and local residents to update them at regular stages as the emergency works have progress.

“The relevant officers at Sheffield City Council have been fully briefed and a contingency plan is in place to deal with any potential flooding should there be any issues.

We appreciate the EA’s efforts to maintain the standard of flood defence throughout and reach a secure solution as soon as practicable.”

Future of the Broadfield Road/Clyde Road Junction:

The EA and Sheaf and Porters Rivers Trust are now considering options for the site’s future and the Trust is hopeful the final design can ensure the long-term protection of businesses from flooding while also facilitating the growth of wildlife and biodiversity in the area.

Mr Buck said he would like to ensure public enjoyment of the river and the solution to be beneficial for the environment such as a pocket park.

The Environment Agency is expected to undertake further work on the right bank under the sub-station in early 2026.