'Flooding meet can be way forward'

THE junction near the proposed site of Greenfield primary

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A CRUCIAL conference could be the vital first step in tackling major flooding concerns in Saddleworth villages.

Monday's floods brought the community's dilemma into sharp focus and village organisations, parish and borough councils are being urged to attend the event on Wednesday, November 30.

Parish councillor Paul Fryer made a visit with fellow councillor Katrina Roman at their own expense to study ways of combating flooding with the Environment Agency and Forestry Commission in North Yorkshire.

Saddleworth was hit with a month's average rainfall in just 24 hours last December leaving villages and roads flooded and the River Tame at its highest level since records began 18 years ago.

He said: "Monday's flooding has brought into focus the importance of next week's conference.

"I know people have other commitments but would urge all invitees to get to the conference if they can.

"A new residents' association for Slackcote has been formed, and a representative has already agreed to attend, which is welcome.

"Hopefully, a way forward can be found at the conference, which won't be the end of the process, but the beginning."

There will be talks at the conference by Unity Partnership, the Environment Agency, United Utilities, the Canal and River Trust, the Peak District National Park Authority, and the Civil Contingencies Unit.

And a group from Rawtenstall, who have set up their own community flood group, have been invited.

Cllr Fryer declared: "It is hoped this conference will be followed by another, open to the wider Saddleworth community, in 2017, focussing on a more in-depth look at flooding issues.

"The result should be the setting up of a permanent Flood Group in Saddleworth, involving the community, agencies, Oldham Council, and the Parish Council, that will look at ways of preventing flooding, and dealing with its aftermath if the worst happens."

The conference begins at 6pm at the council chamber in the Uppermill Civic Hall.