Sheffield park where boy drowned in swollen river is closed due to flood risk

Sheffield Council closed Millhouses Park yesterday and it will remain closed again today in response to a Met Office weather warning for heavy rain and the risk of flooding.

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In June 2007, when there was widespread flooding in Sheffield, Ryan Parry and his friends walked home from King Ecgbert School in Dore when buses were cancelled and stopped off at Millhouses Park en-route, where he fell into the deep, fast-flowing water in the swollen River Sheaf.

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A major search and rescue operation was mounted but Ryan’s body was later recovered by police divers around a quarter of a mile from where he disappeared.

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Sheffield Council said: “Millhouses Park is closed to the public as a precautionary measure.

“Some areas of Rivelin Valley Park and surrounding woodland paths have surface water on them and should be avoided.

“With heavy rain forecast today (Wednesday) and into tomorrow (Thursday), the council is working with its partners to ensure the city is prepared.

“Streets Ahead, the council’s highway contractor, is prioritising gully cleaning around known flooding hotspots and operatives are ready to respond swiftly to any reports of localised flooding.

“With rain expected to continue until Thursday 21, we are monitoring river levels closely.

“We would advise people to travel only where absolutely necessary and only for essential reasons, in line with current Covid restrictions. Please take extra care whilst driving and monitor the weather over the next few days.

“All Covid testing centres are open, apart from the testing centre at Meadowhall which will be closed from 12 noon today and will not reopen until January 22. Anyone who had a test booked at the Meadowhall testing centre after this time will be contacted by The Department of Health and Social Care to arrange an appointment for them at another site.

“Flood defence schemes are in place in key locations across the city and we will continue to work with the Environment Agency as the situation progresses. We are also working directly with businesses in any affected areas.”

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