Tom Morrison MP Calls for Urgent Action Following Devastating New Year Flooding
The New Year brought devastating flooding to the Cheadle area, leaving many residents and businesses grappling with damage to their homes, livelihoods, and community spaces. Tom Morrison, Liberal Democrat MP for Cheadle, has expressed his deep concern for those affected and has pledged to make tackling this issue his top priority.
Hearing the Community’s Concerns
Over the past week, Tom has been meeting with local residents, community groups, and business owners to hear firsthand accounts of the flooding’s impact. Speaking about the situation, he said, “This is not the first time our community has faced such hardship. Many of us remember the floods of 2016 and 2019, and it is simply unacceptable that lessons from those incidents have not been fully implemented.”
Demanding Accountability and Action
Tom has already arranged urgent meetings with the Chief Executive of the Council and the Environment Agency to review the shortcomings of the current flood prevention measures and to understand which previous recommendations remain unfulfilled. He is also pressing United Utilities for a meeting to ensure a coordinated response.
“I will not accept vague answers or empty promises,” Tom emphasized. “Our community deserves accountability and swift action to prevent this from happening again.”
Pushing for Increased Investment in Flood Defences
At a national level, Tom has written to the Water and Flooding Minister, demanding increased funding for flood defences in the constituency. “The current level of investment is insufficient to protect our homes and businesses,” he said. “I will continue to push for the resources we need to safeguard our community and call for a review of national flood policies to ensure that areas like ours are prioritized.”
Improving Flood Warnings and Support for Residents
Although the recent flood warning system failed, Tom is encouraging residents to sign up for free flood alerts at https://www.gov.uk/sign-up-for-flood-warnings to stay informed about potential risks in the future.
For those affected by the flooding, Tom’s office is offering support with insurance claims, accessing financial aid, and addressing other challenges. Residents in need of assistance can contact his office at 0161 428 9919 or via email at tom.morrison.mp@parliament.uk.
A Community United
Despite the hardship, Tom has praised the resilience and community spirit of Cheadle’s residents. “Your strength and solidarity in the face of these challenges are inspiring,” he said. “Together, we will ensure that the necessary measures are taken to protect our community now and in the future.”
As the recovery continues, Tom remains committed to holding the relevant authorities accountable and securing the investment needed to prevent future flooding in Cheadle.