This morning, Jo Platt met with Emma Hardy – the Minister for Flooding, Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) – to discuss the flooding that has impacted the residents of Leigh over the past few days.

Others involved in the meeting included the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG), the Met Office and the Environment Agency.

Throughout the day, Jo also continued to meet with residents, alongside the ward councillors for Atherton South and Lilford, to offer her support.

Jo Platt said: “This is the second major event in the area in under ten years, and residents rightly have concerns about the resilience measures for flooding. They also deserve answers. Investigations must take place and I will continue to work for residents to make sure that these happen. I have further meetings scheduled in the next few days and will ensure that those affected are kept up to date on any developments.

“Locally the focus is on recovery, and ensuring that those affected have all of the support they need. I am grateful for the response of the emergency services, council and other agencies in this endeavour. This includes senior representatives of the Environment Agency who met with residents today.

“I’d like to say a huge thank you to those local businesses and individuals who have donated resources and their time to supporting residents in the recovery efforts – especially to Leigh Timber Merchants and Meekins Maintenance ltd, whom we saw today supporting residents in their time of need.”

For any other questions related to the flooding, or if you require support please email Jo.