LibDem Group Leader in Stockport Iain Roberts is asking tough questions of the Council & the authorities in the wake of the floods that affected Hazel Grove on 11th June. Iain raised these questions at the Stockport Council Executive.

Ian asks:

“First, there was a lot of rainfall in a short period of time, but not a record amount. Why did houses flood that have never flooded before? Why did houses flood where the Environment Agency has said the risk was less than once every hundred years? Why did houses flood where there are flood defences in place and where improved drainage systems have only recently been installed? Had local drains and sluices been maintained according to the council’s specifications?

“Second, once the water started rising, was everything possible done to protect people and property? For example, we have heard reports that the council did not act quickly enough to close Hazelwood Road, putting houses there at risk of water overflowing their front steps due to large vehicles driving past, and that the council’s emergency number was not answered and then went offline. We are concerned not enough happened shortly following the issue of the Environment Agency alert early on Friday evening.

“And third, what needs to be done to stop this happening again? What lessons can be learned from this event to reduce the impact of any future flood events.

Labour Council leader has responded to these questions by commissioning an independent review to look at these issues.

Hazel Grove campaigner Paul Ankers commented, “This flooding was shocking when I saw the situation in Torkington Park. It is important that this Council takes action. If Labour are trying to brush this under the carpet, we simply won’t let them.”