Greater Manchester Neighbourhoods to Receive £2.4bn for Flood Defences
Wigan and Leigh are set to benefit from a £2.4bn fund for flood defences after recent devastating floods
Wigan, Leigh, Flood Defences, UK, Government Funding
Wigan: So, it looks like Wigan and Leigh are about to get some much-needed help. The government is rolling out a £2.4 billion fund for flood defences after those nasty floods on New Year’s Day. You know, the ones that really hit hard in those areas.
Water and Flooding Minister Emma Hardy was in Platt Bridge and Leigh, chatting with locals and businesses affected by the floods. She was there with Makerfield MP Josh Simons, and they spent some time hearing from people who had their homes and businesses swamped.
They’re really keen to get things moving, with Mr. Simons hoping to see some action by 2028. He wants to make sure the flood defence project gets rolling quickly so that residents can feel safe again.
With so many homes at risk along the local brooks and rivers, he stressed that the investment is crucial. It’s all about protecting the community and making sure this doesn’t happen again.
Emma Hardy expressed her sympathy for those affected. She mentioned how heartbreaking it is to see people’s belongings out on the street after a flood. She’s committed to figuring out why some residents didn’t get timely flood warnings.
She’s also on board with making flood prevention a top priority. After all, she knows firsthand how devastating flooding can be. The £2.4 billion investment is a big deal, and they’re planning to discuss specific projects soon.
Meanwhile, folks in the area are just trying to pick up the pieces. Many don’t have insurance because they’ve been through this before. Mia Davy, who moved back to Wigan to care for her mom, is now in temporary housing after losing everything.
Others, like Dawn and Philip Royds, were lucky enough to have insurance but are still feeling trapped. They want to move but worry about the property value after the floods.
Local businesses are also struggling. Paul Bullen, who runs a bike shop, is thinking about closing after 21 years. He’s seen flooding in the area for decades, and it’s tough to keep going when it feels like the water just keeps coming back.
Barry and Maxine, who own Right Choice Bathrooms, are dealing with thousands in damages. They’re still drying out from the last flood, and it’s a real mess. Mike Horton from Pooles Domestics is moving his shop because they can’t reopen after the flood.
Even new businesses like the Handyman Stores are feeling the pinch. They’ve had to close for a few days and keep paying their staff. But they’re determined to keep going.