I had planned for my first column of 2025 to be a chance to wish the residents of Leigh and Atherton a happy New Year and reflect on the government’s first six months in office.
However, given the severe impact of the recent flooding on so many in our constituency, it’s only right to focus on this pressing issue.
The ferocity of the storm took everyone by surprise.
Areas of Greater Manchester, Cheshire, and the Wigan borough bore the brunt of the weather, with our own community suffering considerable damage.
For residents near Lilford Park, this marks the second major flooding event in under 10 years.
Alongside local councillors, I have met with many of those affected and will continue to offer support.
Residents rightly have concerns about the current resilience measures in place for flooding, and they deserve answers. There is more work to be done to mitigate the impacts of flooding on residents.
Investigations into the causes and responses must take place, and I will work to ensure these happen.
I have further meetings scheduled in the coming days and will keep residents informed of any developments.
During the flooding, I was in regular contact with the relevant agencies.
In the days since, I have met with Emma Hardy, the Minister for Flooding, as well as representatives from DEFRA, MHCLG, the Met Office, and the Environment Agency to discuss the devastating impact on residents.
Locally, the focus is now on recovery and ensuring that those affected receive the support they need.
I want to express my gratitude to the emergency services, the council, and other agencies for their response under incredibly challenging circumstances.
Special thanks go to local businesses like Leigh Timber Merchants and Meekins Maintenance Ltd, who have stepped up to assist residents in remarkable ways.
Their efforts are a testament to the community spirit I hope to see flourish across Leigh and Atherton in 2025.
Throughout 2025 and beyond, my team and I will continue to support the residents and businesses of Leigh, Atherton, Tyldesley, Lowton, Golborne, and parts of Astley.
If you are a constituent in need of assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact my office at jo.platt.mp@parliament.uk.
Note: This article was originally published on the Leigh Journal website, on Sunday 12 January, 2025.