Action group aims to get smart and prevent floods
‘ROBUST and viable’ measures to protect Poynton from flooding are the aims of a group formed after last year’s heavy rain caused extensive damage.
Poynton Food Action Group held a Flood Smart Event on Saturday,
January 25 to review progress in responding to serious flooding incidents in 2019, offer further support to affected residents and work towards establishing a new action plan to help reduce future flood risk.
At the meeting, it was confirmed that the Section 19 Flood Investigation Report, setting out the causes and impact of the recent flooding and recommending a plan of action to enhance future flood resilience, continues to be developed.
There was also an update from the National Trust Lyme Park, which is working to look at more natural flood management schemes, to help slow or hold floodwater upstream.
A representative from the Environment Agency explained to the group and local residents that extensive work is underway to remove blockages and debris.
The meeting also addressed practical issues to support those affected by last year’s serious floods, such as obtaining household and commercial insurance, as well as how and where to report concerns about blocked drains, gullies and culverts.
This can be done at: www. cheshireeasthighways.gov. uk/report-it-general. aspx.
The group’s chair, Wendy Daly said: “The group aims to help ensure all local residents can become more flood aware, and that a robust and viable action plan is in place, to better protect local residents from future instances of very heavy rainfall.”
MP, David Rutley, attended to pledge his continued support for the work.
Mr Rutley, said: “Given the serious and widespread impact of last year’s floods, it is vital that work continues at pace to deliver a full and thorough review and for a clear action plan to be developed.
“I am very grateful to the Poynton Flood Action Group for the important role they are playing in taking forward this work and bringing the relevant agencies together to better protect residents in Poynton from future flooding.
“I will continue to support their activities in the weeks and months ahead.”