In recent days the local and national media has been taken over with images of the severe flooding which has taken place in Rochdale and Littleborough as our constituencies have experienced some of the worst rainfall in the past 100 years. As if widespread flooding was not enough of a problem to deal with, Boxing Day also saw many parts of the borough plunged into darkness, as waters reached major electricity stations in the town centre and left thousands of local homes without power. This was followed by problems with clean water supply as United Utilities struggled to cope with the overwhelming strain on their network.
Rochdale Council, emergency services and utilities operators were quick to react to the emergency, despite the fact that all of this came over the Christmas period when many staff were off work or away from the area. This together with severely disrupted communication links made organisation even more difficult. Despite all of this there has been widespread acknowledgement of the capable and competent manner in which all services have worked together to deal with an unprecedented situation.
Our local Conservative team have been helping to support services throughout the borough too with councillors and supporters offering their assistance where they can. Whether it has been manning phone lines at the councils 24/7 emergency helpline, calling on local residents to assess flood damage, feeding people without the means to cook a hot meal or clearing debris left by the surging waters, local people have been reassured as communities have rallied together to support local people when they need it most.
Conservatives have supported council measures to issue £500 support payments to those people worst affected by the flooding. This was a fast and simple system, ensuring that people have emergency funds to help secure and repair their homes. Along with domestic council tax and business rates relief for those affected this has been a measure welcomed by all.
Councillor Rina Paolucci has been manning the phones in the council’s emergency base at the Town Hall and has been helping to organise the many volunteers who have been helping on the ground with the clean-up operations.
Rochdale’s food bank was devastated as it had to write of up to half its stock of food as waters breached their stores. Local retailers and residents were quick to react however with donation of food and drinks to support local families and those displaced by flood waters.
With the worst of the rain now hopefully behind us the process of restoring our borough to its former state remains a massive task which will take weeks to complete. Families affected by the floods will face difficulties for much longer as they rebuild their homes and lives. If you or someone you know need support as a result of the recent flooding or you are able to offer your time or services to the clean-up or you feel that you may be able to support operations in any other way please contact the councils 24/7 flood helpline on 0300 303 0420.
