It's 17 months since the Lower Broughton Flood, yet the risk to Salford residents is still there every time it rains heavily. Next Saturday, 19th August, there's a big one day get together of community and action groups from everywhere near the River Irwell to compare experiences and demand answers about how the flood risk can be dealt with.
Present will be community representatives from all over the region, including Lower Broughton resident, Keri Muldoon, and Broughton councillor and Deputy Mayor, John Merry, who will be giving 'the perspective from Lower Broughton', and anyone can attend.*
"The event will draw together people from along the Irwell to discuss what is being done at a catchment level to help reduce flooding" says Paul O'Hare, Senior Lecturer in Urban Geography and Development at Manchester Metropolitan University, who is organising the day along with the Radcliffe and Redvales Flood Action Group "There will be speakers from the Environment Agency and from charity organisations that are working to ensure we address flood risk from its many sources."
The networking day will look at everything from the drive to build houses and warehouses on green belt and open spaces, to knackered drains, slowing the flow and climate change, or as the official blurb states...
"Increased urbanisation, aging utility infrastructures, the threat of climate change, and the need to facilitate economic growth have all been blamed for driving exposure to flooding. But as many parts of the country embark on ambitious plans to develop land for homes and employment, and we brace ourselves for the potentially severe impacts of climate change, our local communities are asking one question above all others: What are we doing to deal with flood risk across the Irwell Catchment?"
Community Action Across the Irwell Catchment
Saturday 19th August 10am-4pm
Manchester Metropolitan University Business School
near Oxford Road Station, M15 6BH
*The event is free but people should register – click here for details