This week, our focus has been entirely on the devastating flooding that has impacted our community.  We’ve been out every day since the floods hit, offering support, consoling affected residents and ensuring the most vulnerable are cared for. Our thoughts are with everyone who has been affected by this unprecedented event.

Over the New Year, the amount of rainfall was extraordinary. The River Mersey rose to a record-breaking 5.03m, surpassing its previous high of 4.34m. Unfortunately, this level of rainfall overwhelmed the drainage system. The rivers and brooks, which usually discharge excess water, were already at capacity, leaving nowhere for the water to go. From approximately 1:30 PM New Years Eve, rainfall intensified, peaking at 32mm per hour around 5:00 AM. This relentless downpour continued throughout the night.

The impact has been widespread. Within Cheadle and Gatley alone, we’ve seen extensive flooding, including road erosion on Borrowdale Ave on Wilmslow Road, Beech Road, Springfield Road and Brookside to name a few. Across Greater Manchester, multiple roads were closed, and emergency services worked tirelessly to address incidents including an evacuation in the centre of Stockport.

The unprecedented levels of rainfall have combined with other factors to cause the flooding, including:

• Record-high levels of the River Mersey.
• Burst riverbanks of multiple rivers.
• The sheer speed and volume of the floodwaters.

In the coming days, the council will undertake detailed structural and drainage inspections to assess the impact and identify areas requiring urgent action. A full flood report will follow, analysing the causes and providing recommendations to prevent future events of this magnitude.

Amid the devastation, we’ve been heartened by the incredible community spirit. Neighbours have come together to support one another, and local businesses have stepped up to provide assistance. Your resilience and kindness during such a challenging time have been truly inspiring.

Tom Morrison MP has written to the Chief Executive of Stockport Council and the Environment Agency to find out details regarding preparations and actions undertaken last night and what work is ongoing.

We’ll keep you updated as we learn more and take the necessary steps to recover and rebuild. For now, our priority remains helping those in need. If you require assistance or know someone who does, please don’t hesitate to reach out. A council update can be found at https://www.stockport.gov.uk/

Thank you for standing together during this difficult time.

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