Expert report commissioned into flooding at Craiglands

Water overflow behind Craiglands

A public meeting with members from the Broad Lane Action Group, councillors, Rochdale Council officers, a delegation of three engineers/technicians from United Utilities, and representatives from both Wainhomes and Taylor Wimpey took place this week to discuss the long-standing flooding connected with the storm relief pond that is located between the Craiglands and Hurst Meadow housing estates.

There is a long history of flooding, experienced initially by houses on Craiglands and latterly by houses bordering on the fields that are going to be developed very soon.

Taylor Wimpey offered to have research and tests done over a period of time by an independent expert who would provide two reports – the initial one would identify if the Craiglands issues were caused by the pond or not.

Taylor Wimpey agreed to accept the conclusion of the report as binding if it stated the pond was causing flooding issues.

If the report states the flooding is not caused by the pond a second report would be prepared that would identify the highly probable causes of the flooding. The report would be distributed to the council officials, United Utilities, local councillors and the Broad Lane Action Group.

A spokesman for the Broad Lane Action Group said: "It was satisfying the meeting arrived at an outcome which will see the owners of the pond, Taylor Wimpey, adopt a more pragmatic approach towards the situation. They have pledged to commission a water specialist to produce a technical report on the pond and surrounding land. At the very least this will provide a greater intelligence around the issue."

Councillor Dale Mulgrew suggested details of recent drainage works carried out on the adjacent playing fields by the council should also be made available to the expert to assist in his deliberations.

Councillor Richard Farnell has received confirmation that the expert will meet with local residents who could assist with filling in the historical background based on their own knowledge and experience.