Stockport council urges for funding to upgrade drainage systems after severe flooding caused extensive damage to homes and roads
Stockport: The council is really pushing for cash to upgrade the drainage systems after some serious flooding caused a lot of damage. On New Year’s Eve, heavy rain overwhelmed rivers and brooks, making roads impassable and ruining cars and homes.
Residents shared their frustrations, saying blocked drains made things worse since the water couldn’t drain away. Alan and Lyn Russell, who live on Glandon Drive, found their home flooded with a couple of inches of water and a “lake” outside due to a blocked grid.
Many other grids in the area were also clogged with mud. The council mentioned that budget cuts have limited their ability to tackle these issues and called on the government and United Utilities to step up with more funding.
Grace Baynham, the council’s cabinet member for highways, said they’re doing what they can with the limited budget but need more help. She pointed out that much of the drainage system is managed by United Utilities, which also needs to invest in upgrades to handle the severe weather we’re seeing more often.
After the floods, the council announced plans to investigate how to prevent similar damage in the future. Baynham emphasized that proper investment in national water infrastructure is crucial for residents.
United Utilities stated they are investing in the drainage network, but this won’t stop flooding from local rivers. They’re working on a plan to manage rainfall better across the city region.
Some of the worst flooding happened around Meadow Mill, where cars were submerged, and people were trapped inside, leading to a major emergency response. Residents have had to pay out of pocket for hotels while repairs are made.
Lisa Smart, the MP for Hazel Grove, stressed the need for a national response to prevent future flooding. She highlighted the impact of climate change and the overwhelming of storm overflows, calling for coordinated efforts from the government, councils, and water companies.
The Environment Agency has committed £2.4 billion over the next two years to protect against flooding and is planning to consult on a new strategy for flood investment. Meanwhile, the government is increasing funding for councils, with Stockport set to receive a significant boost in its budget.
