MP backs plans to halt town flooding
THE MP has welcomed positive plans to prevent further flooding in Poynton.
Following a meeting with senior officers of Cheshire East Council and the deputy leader, Cllr Craig Browne, Macclesfield MP David Rutley said he was pleased to see several initiatives being set up across Poynton.
Formal flood investigations have been published and a more detailed multi-agency action plan established, which is being regularly reviewed and updated after flooding incidents in 2016 and 2019.
A number of natural flood management interventions such as leaky dams and bunds have been put in place in key locations playing an important role in storing flood water upstream, to slow the flow.
In addition, drainage improvements have been completed and culverts and ordinary watercourses have been cleared in several locations.
Mr Rutley said: “I have long been calling for a thorough action plan to be put into place and it is now good to see this has been made available for the public to review.
“It is good to see partnership working leading to several initiatives being set up across Poynton to help mitigate further flooding and I welcome the strong community response.
“It is important this plan is regularly reviewed and updated to ensure the community is better prepared to prevent floods over the years ahead.”
Poynton Town Council has also organised training for a new team of volunteer Flood Wardens.
Flood Wardens act as the community’s eyes and ears on the ground, who are able to report problems, support residents with advice and information and raise awareness about flooding in general.
Cheshire East Council passed a resolution to establish a task and finish group to undertake an indepth review of flooding and flood risk management, expected to be presented to the Highways and Infrastructure committee in the months ahead.
Poynton Town Council, United Utilities and the Environment Agency together with Cheshire East Council, have been working as a multi-agency team to take action since 2016 to mitigate local flood risk, based on recommendations from the 2016 and 2019 Section 19 Formal Flood Investigations.