The last few days have seen unprecedented levels of rainfall and while it is a natural phenomenon and nothing can be done to stop the rainfall, there must be plans in place to deal with the aftermath and pump the water away as soon as possible. I have written to Cheshire East Council asking them to update me on what measures they have in place to deal with the rising water levels and how they plan to manage the situation both while the rain continues to fall and once it stops.

Today I also raised the issue with ministerial colleagues at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and briefed them on the situation in and around Wilmslow. I highlighted my concerns about flooding on the A555 (Stockport Council) Airport Road and the A34 Alderley Edge Bypass, both comparatively new roads and expressed my concerns how they were designed in such a way this should happen. I do know a number of other roads are also affected either because of the volume of top water, rivers bursting their banks or sink holes appearing and we also need to ensure plans are in place to get those roads back open as soon as possible.

I would like to thank our excellent emergency services who have rescued people in the past days and are continuing to work around the clock to keep us safe.

Separately, the Association of British Insurers have been in touch with me and asked me to share the links below with local residents who may be affected by the flooding;

https://www.abi.org.uk/products-and-issues/topics-and-issues/flooding/recovering-from-a-flood/

https://www.abi.org.uk/products-and-issues/topics-and-issues/flooding/

PHOTO CREDIT; SO CHESHIRE