MP Rosie Cooper to hold flood forum to help prevent repeat of last month’s misery in West Lancs

Oct 18 2012 by Rob Pattinson, Ormskirk Advertiser

A MEETING to examine what can be done to prevent a repeat of last month’s flooding misery across West Lancashire is being held tomorrow.

MP Rosie Cooper has called the meeting with all the key agencies following the recent flooding that has hit many homes, businesses and farming land across the borough.

Ms Cooper has called the flooding forum to get answers and to look to solutions to ensure families and businesses are effectively supported if and when faced with flooding problems in the future. Rosie has invited representatives from the Environment Agency, Electricity North West, Lancashire County Council, Lancashire Police, Lancashire Fire and Rescue, United Utilities, and West Lancashire Borough Council to the meeting.

MP Rosie said: “The recent flooding has affected so many residents and businesses right across West Lancashire, causing real disruption and devastation. With the weather seemingly getting more extreme, be it snow or rain, we need to take the steps necessary to protect people, their homes and their businesses. We need long-term solutions not sticking plasters, which is why I have called this meeting to get all the agencies round the table to discuss these issues.”

West Lancs council was set to discuss the issue of flooding at a meeting of full council last night after Cllr George Oliver put forward a motion requesting a report be drawn up to be examined by the Corporate and Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee on “the reported shortcomings in the council's response to requests for help from residents during the recent flooding”.

Ms Cooper added: “I would encourage all residents who experienced problems with flooding to let me have the details of their experiences to ensure we can address issues, such as providing sandbags to residents.”

Call her on 01695 570094 or email rosie@rosiecooper.net