A local MP has called on councils to create action plans for each area devastated by the recent flooding.

Tatton MP Esther McVey is working with her local councils, the Environment Agency and Peel Holdings (which runs the Bridgewater canal) to ensure residents have the best flood prevention plans going forward.

Ms McVey said: "I have spoken with Chief Executives at both Cheshire East and Warrington Council and with Peel Holdings and made clear I will help in any way I can, whether that be with actions such as these, or lobbying government for extra money for flood prevention measures if that is what is needed."

Ms McVey also raised the issue in Parliament on her return to Westminster, highlighting the Bridgwater Canal breach and other local flooding much of it exacerbated by poor maintenance and by housing developments without the necessary drainage infrastructure.

She said: "There has been a distinct lack of ongoing maintenance. The local councils are not unblocking blocked drains nor carrying out regular cleaning of them, and our rivers are not being dredged. All of this adds to water levels rising and water not being able to drain away.

"Some residents in Cheshire West who I am sourcing sandbags for have told me they believe the flooding in their properties were preventable had there been better maintenance."

Ms McVey has been out across the constituency since New Year's Day meeting with residents affected by flooding in Wilmslow and also residents in Little Bollington and Lymm affected as a direct result of the Bridgewater canal collapsing.

She has also met with those living on the canal who are now stuck on the canal bed. The residents, as well as canal users, told Ms McVey that the canal is not maintained, but simply fixed when something breaks.

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In response to Ms McVey, Flooding minister Emma Hardy said: "There is a concern around the canal and I am grateful she (Esther) mentioned it.

It is important to look at lots of different things including cleaning out drains where appropriate, there are many things that need to be done together the more we can do and take in some of these small actions, it will have a cumulative effect and will help the situation."

Ms McVey said anyone needing help should contact her office on 01625 529922 or email [email protected].

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