Community volunteers thanked for flooding help

Residents who have helped deal with the aftermath of the floods that hit parts on the borough on Boxing Day have been thanked by the Council.

Councillor Richard Farnell, the leader of Rochdale Borough Council, said: “We had some of the worst flooding in the region but we have also seen a reaction that makes me proud and shows the real community spirit that exists in our borough. Even people who had been affected themselves rolled-up their sleeves to help others during what has been a very challenging time.

“We have been working hard with other agencies to deal with the after effects of the devastating floods we saw on Boxing Day but many people have also been out on the streets helping with the clean-up and making sure vulnerable people are safe. That is something we are extremely grateful for and I want to send my personal thanks to them for their selfless contributions.”

A clean-up operation has begun and will continue.

The council has provided skips in affected areas and it is understood wagons will be sent to collect waste from outside affected properties.

The council helped evacuate residents from care homes that were flooded or left without power and have provided assistance to others. This has included providing hot meals and food and helping to coordinate supplies of other things like bedding and torches.

Council staff have tried to speak to people in affected properties and have been providing support to businesses where possible.

A rest centre was opened in the town hall where people were given hot food and drinks and were able to speak to council officers, who gave advice and signposted to other services.

Cleaning materials and equipment were also given to people in Littleborough. Staff from the council’s adult social care teams have also been out to visit homes to make assessments and provide support.

Number One Riverside was flooded, which affected council IT systems, including the website and email system.

The council website is now back up and running and residents can access information at www.rochdale.gov.uk/flooding or call the emergency contact number: 0300 303 8875.