Flooding causes misery to residents, businesses and college

Rochdale MP Paul Rowen has reported a busy morning after complaints of flooding across Rochdale.  Hotspots include Calder Avenue in Littlebrough and many other areas of the Borough.  Flooding has led to the closure of several businesses in Central Rochdale as well as the college. 
 
Mr Rowen said: “My office has been inundated with complaints from residents and these have been reported.  I have spoken to Councillor Greg Couzens, who has called for action and I thank him for his intervention.  The Council has yet again acted well to help residents and businesses affected.  I know that our Mayor, Councillor Peter Evans, has taken also time out to visit residents on Calder Avenue.  I know that our Council is prioritising complaints of flooding and I hope that the worst has now passed.”

Councillor Greg Couzens, Finance Portfolio Holder responsible for Highways said: “I must make it clear that theCouncil is here to advise and can only step in during emergency situations.  I have instructed the Council to take action in the worst hit areas like those in Littleborough and the areas in Central Rochdale where the college and businesses have been affected.

"Although we are here to help in an emergency, people who live in private housing need to know that the responsibility lies with them.  They can pick up sandbags from their local DIY Store or building merchants.  This is a sign of the times and people can be rest assured that we are doing everything in our power to help victims.”

Littleborough councillor Peter Evans was again quick to visit local residents.  He said: “My phone has been busy with residents complaining.  There are issues surrounding the culverts near Calder Avenue and these need to be resolved.  Residents are suffering intolerably from flooding and I will be pushing for a resolution.  Anyone suffering from flooding problems can contact the Council on 01706 924537.”

Littleborough Housing Office has now located sand and bags and their caretakers are filling them and delivering them to properties affected. They have been liaising with the Fire Services' mobilising team who are still out in Littleborough trying to pump out some of the homes. They will have approximately 250 sandbags at their disposal to use as and when necessary.

For advice on flood prevention please call ‘Floodwatch’ at the Environment Agency on 0845 988 1188.