Significant investment required to tackle flooding issues says MP

WARRINGTON North MP Charlotte Nichols says it is clear “significant investment” is required to tackle flooding issues in the town and is lobbying for extra support.

Earlier today she met with the Minister for Flooding Emma Hardy, DEFRA, MHCLG, the Met Office and the Environment Agency to discuss the flooding experienced in Warrington over New Year.

Following the meeting, Ms Nichols said: “MHCLG have primary responsibility for flood recovery, and emergency response costs, both of which are discretionary and I am lobbying Alex Norris as the Minister with responsibility in this area for additional support for Warrington. Potential support in terms of match funding was also mentioned, which we will be exploring, particularly for those who struggle to get adequate insurance coverage as a result of previous flooding or who may struggle going forward.
“The Met Office has confirmed an Amber Warning for snow over the weekend, though the Flood Forecasting Centre says that this is a winter hazard event and not a flood hazard event. The move locally is now therefore towards recovery, and ensuring those affected have the support they need, and I am grateful for the response of the emergency services, council and other agency partners in this endeavour.
“Affected constituents I have spoken to have rightly made the point that this is the second major event in a short space of time, and raised concerns about resilience for flooding and what maintenance work has been undertaken.
“The Government review of the flood formula is coming up, and I will be feeding in to ensure that maintenance work is part of the calculation, and not just remedial work which will hopefully help mitigate future risk.”

Ms Nichols added:”The Environment Agency made the point that dredging is only a very short-term help, and walls, nature-based infrastructure, property level protection and temporary barriers are more effective in preventing flooding.
“It is clear we need significant investment in our regional infrastructure as all the flood basins across the region filled and overtopped, with the River Mersey 50cm higher than its previous record. With extreme weather becoming more frequent as a result of climate change, better preparedness is vital to prevent future incidents.
“They are also investigating a reported failure of the local pumping station, which may have contributed to some of the flooding experienced locally. I am waiting to hear from the Area Director of the Environment Agency with further information on this, as well as seeking to arrange a meeting with residents and the agency to talk about future resilience and what can be learned from what’s happened.
“In terms of insurance, I have spoken today with Aviva who are supporting a number of residents with claims of flood damage, with all visits due to be concluded by Monday and emergency contractors in place to begin drying and restoring affected properties. The Flood Re scheme, which provides insurance solutions for those routinely affected by flooding, is currently under review and I will be pushing for its scope to be widened as it only supports owner-occupiers at present and is time-limited.
“Financial support is available through the Local Support Scheme for residents who have been impacted, and I would encourage applications through the link here if you need help: https://www.warrington.gov.uk/localsupportscheme
“For any other questions related to the flooding, please email me on [email protected] as Parliament returns from Recess on Monday so there will be many more opportunities to raise these matters over the coming days and weeks with the Government.
Meanwhile, her Warrington South colleague Sarah Hall has launched a GoFund me page to raise funds for those in most need.