Floods Minister Emma Hardy visited Leigh and Wigan in Greater Manchester to see the impact of flooding on the local community and to speak with Environment Agency teams who are leading on the recovery work.
During the visit, the Floods Minister and Ian Crewe, Environment Agency’s Area Director for Greater Manchester, met with responders who have been out on the ground, operating flood defences, protecting almost 12,000 homes and businesses, issuing flood warnings and supporting the community. They also visited the Lilford Park Flood Storage Basin and Platt Bridge project to view these operational assets which were in action during the floods.
The Government has announced plans to invest £2.4 billion to build and upgrade flood defences protecting homes and business across the country, including in the North West.
The visit follows recent flooding causing disruption across Wigan and Greater Manchester, with a total of 55 flood warnings over the New Year period. The region saw 70 millimetres of rain fall in just 18 hours and several flood defence assets were utilised.
The Environment Agency currently estimates that around 99 properties have flooded in Wigan and Greater Manchester, while 11,974 properties have been protected due to the action taken by the Environment Agency.
The Environment Agency continues to monitor the forecast and impacts on river levels. Its message to the public remains to check their flood risk, sign up for free flood warnings and keep up to date with the latest situation.
Floods Minister Emma Hardy said:
“I know how destructive flooding can be, so my thoughts are with all those whose homes and businesses have been affected in Greater Manchester.
“I pay tribute to the emergency services and first responders across the region for their continuous and dedicated work to keep communities safe.
“There is much more work needed to be done to protect homes which is why we are investing £2.4 billion to build and maintain flood defences, which will help protect homes and businesses across the country and in the North West.”
