Help for landowners to reduce flood risk

Sarah Parkington from the National Flood Forum

Landowners could help reduce the risk of flooding in Littleborough and Rochdale by installing natural flood management measures like tree planting, water features, dams and walls.

Rochdale Borough Council working with the Environment Agency and the National Flood Forum have launched a new ‘Slow the Flow’ scheme and are hoping to work with the owners of land close to or drains into the River Roch and its tributary streams.

Heavy rain throughout the autumn and winter of 2015, in particular Storm Eva on 26 December when every river in Lancashire reached record levels, caused significant damage and there’s growing concern that the South Pennines area is likely to be at risk to more intense and prolonged rainfall, and more frequent damaging and disruptive storms.

The scheme is designed to reduce the rate at which water gets into the river by natural flood management.

Funding may be available to contribute towards the cost of making ideas a reality said Sarah Parkington from the National Flood Forum. She said: “We are currently investigating all possible ways of reducing flooding and every contribution, large or small can help. We would especially like to hear from landowners whose land would be suitable for natural flood risk management schemes to discuss opportunities and how we can help make them happen. We’ll be able to provide help and advice as well as access to funding for suitable projects.”

Council leader Richard Farnell said: “Simple, small-scale, low-cost and low-maintenance measures when taken across an area can make a real difference to flood defences. Natural flood management schemes like this have proved very successful in other areas, so this is an opportunity for our local landowners to play a part in reducing their flood risk. I encourage residents to come forward and access the help available.”

To discuss how you could help to reduce flooding in Littleborough and Rochdale email:

sarah.parkington@floodforum.org.uk