Households and businesses prone to flooding in the Northwich area must get nervous every time heavy rainfall is forecast.

No doubt this was the case during the recent Storm Babet. Fortunately, the multi-agency emergency response saved the day.

Plans were put into action prepared by flood risk management authorities, informed by the local knowledge and experiences of residents and businesses following the serious floods of 2019 and 2021.

I went along to Northwich marina where I saw flood barriers and heavy-duty pumps being deployed to protect the town centre. People living at the marina were evacuated with the council arranging temporary hotel accommodation for anyone unable to stay with family or friends.

There was no repeat of shocking scenes two years ago when residents were rescued by boat and flooding in the town centre caused considerable damage.

In the rural outskirts, I experienced first-hand the impact of flooding at Crowton where the main road was blocked and villagers were cut off. But partnership working between Changing Lives Together, Mid Cheshire Foodbank and Northwich Community Support saw 15 crates of food delivered.

Northwich Guardian: The River Dane during Storm BabetThe River Dane during Storm Babet (Image: Supplied)

While community resilience plans for affected areas including Crowton, but also Acton Bridge, were enacted, with rest centres set up for those in need. Thankfully, the deployment of tankers and pumps to Acton Bridge prevented properties being flooded.

A big thank you to all organisations for keeping people safe and minimising the impact of Storm Babet.

That includes Cheshire West and Chester Council, Northwich Town Council, Environment Agency, United Utilities, Cheshire Police, Cheshire Fire & Rescue Service and the Canal & River Trust.

Collaboration at its finest. And a special mention to borough, town and parish councillors who went above and beyond in helping on the ground.

But I do have one big worry going forward given similar occurrences are likely to happen more regularly due to climate change. That concerns a £300 million real terms cut in the Government grant to Canal & River Trust (CRT) who manage our national waterways.

CRT’s operation of giant sluice gates on the River Weaver Navigation, following a £500,000 overhaul of all eight gates, was crucial in helping to prevent flooding during Storm Babet.

But what will be the impact of this 40 per cent cut to CRT funding on flooding resilience in future? I shudder to think and have already challenged ministers.