Rochdale ignored in new £12.5m flood protection plan, says Councillor Andy Kelly

Photo: Wendy Randall

Rochdale Town Centre 1.30pm Saturday 26 December 2015

Rochdale Lib Dem Leader Councillor Andy Kelly has spoken of his frustration that "Rochdale didn't even merit a mention" in a flood review published by the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

The review was announced by government following the Christmas period flooding that left parts of the borough under water. He also claimed that the 125 page review didn't go far enough for Rochdale. It was estimated that 35.4mm of rain fell in Rochdale in just 12 hours on Boxing Day morning.

The report promises £12.5million for flood relief measures but does not say where exactly that money will be spent and in what form. Rochdale and the Pennines get no mention in the report, which offers few concrete proposals.

Councillor Kelly said: "The Christmas period flooding devastated large parts of Rochdale and The Pennines, indeed dozens of local businesses and thousands of houses were affected. 20,000 houses also suffered a power cut.

"The report will not give confidence to local residents that ministers are treating protection from floods as a priority.

"We are now not that far away from the winter season and we need to ensure that residents and businesses have the confidence that there will be no repeat."

The Government says it has learned the lesson from last winter’s floods and is spending £12.5 million building and strengthening defences.

The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) has published the National Flood Resilience Review, which outlines improved rain and flood modelling, a “significant” increase in new temporary flood defences, and greater protection to infrastructure.

Councillor Kelly finished by saying: "Everybody knows that there is no moral leadership in this Borough. Whilst areas like Calder Valley are acknowledged - the terrible plight of our town is ignored yet again. When Rochdale and the Pennines was under water, our MP was pictured on the beer, out of town. Is it any wonder that we are repeatedly ignored by the Government?"