Flood meeting no show runs cold with locals

A COUNCILLOR has written to a water company to express his disappointment that they failed to attend a public meeting held to discuss ways of preventing flooding in Saddleworth.

Residents, councillors and the Environment Agency gathered to brainstorm ideas to prevent flash flooding around Dobcross and Uppermill caused by overflow in the River Tame and Diggle Brook, which resulted in damage to the surrounding areas last summer. United Utilities had promised to attend the meeting to consult with the public and provide help with the project, but failed to attend, leaving residents and councillors angry.

Councillor Garth Harkness, who originally started to raise awareness of the issue, has now penned a letter to the company explaining that their presence is needed at such consultations in order to make progress.

In his letter, he states: “It was extremely disappointing that there was no representative from United Utilities at the public meeting, compared with four from the Environment Agency, myself and two from Oldham Council. The non-attendance from United Utilities had a clear negative impact on the meeting and was in danger of overshadowing the positive progress that has been made.

“The perception from some in the audience was that nothing had changed and there was an ineffective partnership.”

Councillor Harkness has requested an urgent response from United Utilities.