Horwich flood recovery continues as specialist group set up

INVESTIGATIONS into the severe flooding in Horwich earlier this year are underway as a specialist recovery group is launched to lead the project and engage with the community.

In May torrential rainfall left large parts of the town underwater, making roads impassable and schools and houses flooded.

Described as "the worst flooding in living memory" by Cllr Marie Brady, with some residents being put up in temporary accommodation.

Now a flood recovery group of officers from Bolton Council, the Environment Agency and other partners has been set up.

The flooding followed unprecedented heavy-rainfall and the council took immediate action to make sure residents were safe.

Teams were also deployed to clear drains and culverts to aid water run-off and a clean-up operation to remove debris from highways was completed within 24 hours.

Since then, Bolton Council has taken a number of steps to repair the damage, undertaken extensive inspection and making safe tasks and worked to improve its flood response in the future.

The council has reviewed its flooding procedures as well as the database of vulnerable residents who may need additional support in an emergency.

Under the Flood and Water Management Act 2010, an investigation has been started to better understand why the flooding was so severe.

It will see the council speak with public and private bodies with flood management responsibilities and make a report later in the year.

Executive Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, Cllr Stuart Haslam, said:“It is right that local people are involved in the recovery process, working closely with the council to protect their homes and property.

“May’s flooding was extremely distressing but the way the community has responded to make their voices heard is commendable.

“The council has taken a number of steps to support the community recovery, we are looking at future flood resilience and are exploring options for additional government support.

“The investigation is ongoing and I thank everyone for their patience as this work continues.”

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