[T]he MP for Copeland has praised the united approach between the Millom and Haverigg community and local authorities flood agencies after hundreds of homes were affected following a flash flood in September.
Trudy Harrison MP attended the Millom and Haverigg Flood Recovery Group meeting in Millom on Wednesday for an update on current progress following a flood that affected more than 300 homes.
The meeting brought together residents, business owners and councillors as well as representatives from United Utilities, Millom and Haverigg Flood Action Group, Cumbria County Council, Cumbria Community Foundation and Age UK.
Cumbria County Council is currently carrying out a Section 19 review to determine whether the draining systems were unable to effectively manage the sudden downpour of rain. This is a formal report carried out by the lead flood agency, under the new Flood and Water Management Act 2010. The report will then be used to assess how the risk of potential future flooding can be minimised.
Trudy Harrison MP, said: “The Millom and Haverigg Flood Action group have worked incredibly hard since the flood, in real partnership with all organisations. Flooding is a very complex issue and we all want to know what, if anything, can be done to prevent such devastation in the future. The Section 19 report will answer questions about the effectiveness of drainage pipe networks, pumps, highway gullies, culverts and watercourses, as well as establishing the root cause of the flooding.
“During the meeting we heard of the collaborative hard work of both the flood action group and the relevant local agencies including United Utilities and Cumbria County Council – this has been an unimaginable time for Millom, many say this has been the town’s worst disaster, in their lifetime.”
A meeting will be held on January 18 2018 to present the draft report on the flood investigation, which will bring together information collected at the Flood Forum held in October.
Community Coordinator for the Millom And Haverigg Flood Recovery Group and local resident, Jenny Brumby, said: “At the moment all involved parties are closely working together on the on-going investigation, however, until the review is completed in January there isn’t a lot that we can do. In the meantime, we will continue to stay united, working together and supporting the hundreds of families and individuals who are still struggling with the aftermath of the flood.”
There will be an opportunity for the local community to ask further questions before the final report is published early next year.
Gillian Elliott, Chair of the Millom and Haverigg Flood Recovery Group, and Copeland Area Manager at Cumbria County Council, said: “The Millom & Haverigg community has shown fantastic resilience; stepping up in the initial aftermath of the flood on the 30th September, supporting each other to deal with flooded properties and working with all the lead agencies to help compile the information for the section 19 report.”
Financial support is still available for individuals and families affected by the floods; priority will be given to uninsured and low-income households. Please apply online at www.cumbriafoundation.org/fund/cumbria-disaster-fund/ or contact the Grants Team on 01900 825760.
