NORTHWICH residents are invited to a special online event discussing last month's flooding – and questions can be submitted in advance.

Homes were evacuated in town, Acton Bridge and Weaverham, while business premises were ruined by flood water following Storm Christoph.

Across Cheshire West, 244 residential and 92 business properties were affected, with 152 properties flooded and 128 people evacuated from their homes.

Representatives from the council, the Environment Agency and United Utilities will all discuss the response to last month's flooding, as well as the measures taken to ensure public safety and protect property.

Cllr Louise Gittins, leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council, said: “This was the worst flooding event our borough has seen and we know a lot of people were hit hard by it.

"We are doing all we can to support our residents and businesses and we know there is a lot more to do.

“There will be many questions about the incident and about what will happen now.

"This event is our chance to answer those questions, to decide how we can all work together to learn lessons and determine what action needs to be taken.”

The webinar will also focus on the support provided at the time and the ongoing support provided to residents and businesses, together with outlining the extensive clean-up operation in the aftermath of the incident.

It will also be a chance to update people about any developments and to discuss future action.

Mike Wood, water and wastewater network director at United Utilities, said: “We’re committed to working jointly with the other flood agencies in Northwich to understand the root causes of the flooding and plan the next steps in tackling the issue.

"It’s important that members of the community have this opportunity to ask questions and find out how we move forward."

Ben Scott, area flood and coastal risk manager for the Environment Agency, added: “Storm Christoph has shown what can happen when huge amounts of rain falls in a very short time.

READ > Fresh proposals revealed for new Winnington bridge – costs could top £20 million

"It is vital that we continue to listen to the people who have experienced flooding first hand and learn from their experiences."

The online event will take place from 6.30pm on Tuesday, March 2.

Members of the public will be able to view the event online by clicking here.

Questions can be submitted in advance by email to floodrecovery@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk and some of these questions will be used for a Q&A session on the night.