Environment boss praises council reaction to flooding

Councillor Wera Hobhouse

Rochdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Sustainability, Councillor Wera Hobhouse, has praised the Council’s reaction to the flooding caused by the adverse weather conditions. 

The Council, local Councillors and Paul Rowen MP’s Office were deluged with complaints of flooding from the Littleborough area amongst others.  They promptly despatched street teams to visit the areas affected including Redlands Close and surrounding roads in Littleborough to help offer residents any practical assistance that maybe required.  There were also problems in other areas of Rochdale including the junction of Mellor Street and Bury Road and Maclure Road.

Councillor Wera Hobhouse said: “The response from the Council has been excellent and I would like to thank Council Officers including Terry Leedham and Donald Forrester who reacted swiftly to the emergency situation.  We will be keeping a keen eye on developments as things progress but I am delighted the Council was so effective in this emergency situation.  I would advise residents who are affected to be prepared.

"Although the Council are delighted to help in severe emergency situations, residents need to be aware that in private housing the overall responsibility lies with them. 

"Sandbags are available from DIY Stores and Builder’s Merchants and I’m afraid in the current climate people have to be prepared.”

Littleborough councillor Peter Evans was quick to react visiting residents and liaising with Paul Rowen MP to help residents.  He said: “I started receiving complaints early and one resident reported that he’s never seen the water level in Hare Hill Park so high with flood water.  He said that an emergency team have been out to sandbag a nearby house.  Meanwhile, the field below me has started to flood as the River Roch overflows its banks.  I am glad the Council reacted well during this major incident.”