MP renews Canal and Rivers Trust plea as Storm Babet floods Northwich

Mike Amesbury, MP for Weaver Vale, has once again raised concerns about proposed cuts to the Canal and River Trust.

It comes after Northwich was able to avoid any major damage during floods caused by Storm Babet, thanks in part to the work of the trust.

Directing his call to the minister for environmental quality and resilience, Rebecca Pow MP, Mr Amesbury said: “Over the last six years, Northwich, in my constituency, has been flooded twice.

“This time round, having learned from the section 19 report, the Environment Agency, Cheshire West and Chester Council, the Canal and River Trust, the emergency services and other local councils did a sterling job to prevent it from happening again.

“My concern for the future, however, relates to the huge cuts in the trust, amounting to £300 million.

“I issue this plea to the minister, will she look at that and think again?”

Heavy rainfall caused the River Weaver and River Dane to rise (Image: Cllr Andrew Cooper)

Mr Amesbury has previously voiced concerns about the effect a reduction in funding could have on the River Weaver Navigation and the Trent and Mersey Canal.

He fears this could be detrimental to wildlife habitats, the local economy and people’s mental and physical well-being.

His latest plea to reverse this decision came as Mrs Pow, who represents Taunton Deane in Somerset, fielded questions about the impact of Storm Babet on Monday (October 22).

The storm brought heavy and persistent rain to the north of England over the weekend, with the Met Office issuing amber and yellow warnings covering large parts of the country.

Roads in and around Northwich were flooded as a result while several homes had to be evacuated, moored boats were swept away and events cancelled.

READ MORE: Storm Babet brings flooding and disruption to Mid Cheshire

However, it could have been worse had the town’s multi-agency emergency plan not been carried out as successfully as it was.

Responding to Mr Amesbury’s plea, Mrs Pow said: “I am pleased to hear that all those organisations did such a grand job locally.

“We understand the huge benefit brought by the Canal and River Trust and the great work that it does, but that £300 million figure is something of a bone of contention.

“The trust has adjusted the figure for inflation, and the Government do not normally do that with their funds.”

She added: “My thoughts and sympathies are with all those affected, and in particular with the friends and families of those who have tragically lost their lives in recent days.

“I thank emergency responders, local authorities, volunteers and the Environment Agency for their tireless efforts to help communities across the country.

“I take my role as the flooding minister extremely seriously, and I am aware of the devastating impact that flooding can have on local communities.”