A PETITION calling on authorities to ‘put a plan in place’ to stop Northwich from flooding has gathered more than 1,000 signatures.

It comes as Cheshire West and Chester Council revealed the date when a report into the Autumn 2019 floods will be released.

The petition, started by resident Alexandra Jarvis, says: “Our town has flooded twice now in two years, causing devastation to businesses and homeowners.

“The last flooding enquiry was not concluded fast enough and is due to be released in April, which is sadly not soon enough for everyone affected last week and not soon enough to sort this problem any time soon.

“We can’t allow this to keep happening, whoever is responsible needs to be taken to task and a plan put in place so that our town does not have to keep enduring this nightmare time and again.”

However, since the launch of the petition two weeks ago, CWAC confirmed that it will present the final report into the 2019 floods at its cabinet meeting on March 17.

It added that reviews will also now be started ‘to identify any additional lessons to be learned from the most recent floods, in Northwich and across the borough’. 

Councillor Louise Gittins, Leader of the Council said: “We have been taking a number of steps in response to the floods, in line with the recommendations from the interim report. However, it is quite clear from the recent situation that more needs to be done. We need additional investment in the systems that remove surface water from the town centre, alongside the investment that has already been made in flood defences.

"We will be writing to United Utilities, to ask what immediate contingency plans can be put in place and for them to support an urgent review of the drainage systems in the affected areas. We have also made the case to central government for investment to further protect communities in Northwich and across our borough.  

"We will also be working with the Environment Agency to hear the views of our local residents and businesses, to ensure that we learn from their experience, and protect our communities from the impact of climate change.”

CWAC released the interim report into the 2019 floods in November 2020.