Council Calls for Investment to Prevent Future Flood Damage in Stockport
Stockport council urges for proper funding to tackle flooding issues after severe damage from recent storms
Stockport, UK, Flooding, Infrastructure, Government, United Utilities
Stockport: The council is really pushing for cash to upgrade drains and prevent future flooding disasters. They’ve seen too much damage from recent storms.
On New Year’s Eve, heavy rain caused rivers to overflow, making roads impassable and damaging cars and homes. It was a real mess.
Residents mentioned that blocked drains made things worse, as water couldn’t drain away properly. One couple, Alan and Lyn Russell, found their home flooded with a couple of inches of water inside.
They had a “lake” outside their house because a blocked drain couldn’t handle the water. It was a nightmare for them and others in the area.
Stockport council said budget cuts have limited their ability to fix these issues. They’re calling on the government and United Utilities to step up and invest more in the drainage system.
Grace Baynham, the council’s cabinet member for highways, said they’re doing what they can but need more funds to tackle the problem effectively.
After the floods, the council announced they’d investigate to prevent similar damage in the future. They believe proper investment in national water infrastructure is crucial.
United Utilities said they’re investing in the drainage network, but that won’t stop flooding from local rivers. They’re working on plans to manage rainfall better.
Some of the worst flooding happened around Meadow Mill, where cars were submerged, and people were trapped inside. It led to a major emergency response.
Residents have had to pay for hotels while their homes are being fixed, which is adding to their stress. MP Lisa Smart emphasized the need for a national response to these flooding issues.
She pointed out that climate change is making these storms more frequent, and the government needs to step up its support to prevent future incidents.
The Environment Agency has committed £2.4 billion over the next two years to protect people from flooding and is planning to consult on a new flood investment strategy.
Good news is that funding for councils is set to increase, with Stockport’s budget for 2025-26 expected to rise significantly. Let’s hope it helps tackle these flooding problems once and for all.