Cheshire Independent Issue 144

7 FEBRUARY / MARCH 2020 Visit our website: www.independentnewspapers.co.uk CAMPAIGNERS in Poynton are working towards establishing a new robust action plan to help reduce future flood risk in the community. The Poynton Flood Action Group held a ‘Flood Smart’ event to review what progress had been made in response to last year’s serious flooding inci- dents in the area. Macclesfield MP David Rutley attended the meet- ing and pledged his contin- ued support for its work, which includes offering support to people affected by the floods. Representatives from organisations and agen- cies actively taking part in the response work were also at the meeting. They included United Utilities and the Environ- ment Agency. The meeting heard that “extensive work” is under- way to remove blockages and debris from further upstream, helping to Link road moves forward FLOOD MANAGEMENT REMAINS KEY PRIORITY and bringing the relevant agencies together to better protect residents in Poyn- ton from future flooding. I will continue to support their activities in the weeks andmonths ahead.” The meeting also dis- cussed how to report con- cerns about potentially blocked drains, gullies and culverts to Cheshire East Council. This can be done at: www.cheshireeasthigh- ways.gov.uk/report-it-gen- eral.aspx. improve river flows and prevent future build-up of water. It was also confirmed that the Section 19 Flood Investigation Report, setting out the causes and impact of the recent flooding and recommend- ing a plan of action to enhance future flood resilience, continues to be actively developed. There was also an update from the National Trust Lyme Park, which is working to look at more natural floodmanagement schemes, to help slow or hold floodwater further upstream, helping to bet- ter protect residents and businesses in the future. In addition to the response to last year’s flooding and the need for enhanced flood resilience in the future, the meet- ing also focused on more practical issues to support those affected, such as obtaining household and commercial insurance. Ahead of the meeting, Mr Rutley met Wendy Daly, who chairs the group. She explained its aim to ensure everyone in the area becomes more flood aware and that “a robust and viable action plan” is in place, to better protect local people from future heavy rainfall. Mr Rutley said: “Given the serious and wide- spread impact of last year’s floods, it is vital that work continues at pace to deliver a full and thorough review into last year’s floods, and for a clear action plan to be developed and commu- nicated to local residents. “I am very grateful to the Poynton Flood Action Group for the important role it is playing in tak- ing forward this work GIANTSWOOD Lane in Congle- ton is set to close for around six- weeks to allow vital work on the £90million Congleton link road to progress. The closure – which is in place to ena- ble the completion of concrete works, essential utility diversions and resur- facing – will begin from February 21. A signed diversion route for cyclists and pedestrians, alongside a route for motorists will be in place throughout the closure. Cheshire East’s Council deputy leader Craig Browne said: “This is a key ele- ment to the construction of the new link road.” It is anticipated that the road will be re-opened from Easter. Community response: The Poynton Flood Action Group