Garth Harkness comments on the recent flash floods

Garth Harkness, Liberal Democrat Councillor for the Saddleworth North Ward, has commented on the recent flash floods in Saddleworth.

Speaking to Saddleworth News he said: “I am annoyed because problems are mounting as the administration have abandoned the (Lib Dem) gully clearing programme & dig out teams as they cut budgets and so are unable to respond to emergencies let alone continue maintenance. More needs to be done on this.

Picture: Damage to road surface, Churchfields, Dobcross.

“I respect that such down pours mean some flash floods are inevitable however, this seems to be getting worse. It does seem that the verges and blocked gullies are part of the issue. The scale at Churchfields resembled a river and residents had been flooded out.

“The Swan in Dobcross was also forced to close again.

“Only One team now is available to cover the whole of the Metropolitan Borough. I was out for much of the evening as a consequence of the problems caused by the downpours the other week.

“There were homes flooded and it was great to see several members of the community assisted in clearing up.

“I was pleased with my dealings with the staff and management for their intervention. I requested a team to come in the evening which they did. They then arrived the next day to address some of issues on Churchfields.

“Other areas such as Delph New Road , Woods Lane, Ridings Court experienced difficulties.

“Part was due to the huge downpour but known problems have not been resolved making the situation much worse.

Picture: Map of the area.

“I call on the council to get a regular maintenance programme and where appropriate work with United Utilities to address the known problems. The flood risk can then be reduced.”

Author: Jude Gidney - Editor

If you would like to share an interesting story, achievement, photo or something you just want to happily shout about please send it in an email to hello@saddleworthlife.com We'd ❤ to hear from you!!