Trafford Labour politicians have put on record their deep concern for all those people whose homes and businesses were devastated by the New Year’s Day flooding.

Council Leader, Cllr Tom Ross, recently presented a motion to Full Council where he expressed his sympathy for all those affected by the extreme weather, which saw a months’ worth of rain fall within just 48 hours.

Cllr Ross, who spoke on behalf of the entire Labour Group, acknowledged the catastrophic effects of what happened and vowed to learn lessons for the future.

Cllr Ross said: “Flooding is much more than just an inconvenience.

“It disrupts lives, damages properties and creates distress, upheaval and danger, while also posing a risk to life and health.

“A robust and collaborative multi-agency response is not only essential in the immediate aftermath of such events, but also in ensuring we learn lessons and implement effective measures for the future.

“There is never a perfect time for an event like this to happen, but to have this as your experience in just the first few hours of the new year is truly devastating.

Cllr Ross also thanked council officers, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, the police, and One Trafford for their response to the situation.

He also acknowledged the resilience and community spirit demonstrated by residents and businesses who provided vital support to those in need.

Moving forward, a full briefing on the Greater Manchester Integrated Water Management Plan is to be arranged.

Cllr Ross will also write to, the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, The Rt Hon Steve Reed OBE MP, and the Environment Agency, about the recent flooding and the effectiveness of existing flood management infrastructure.

Cllr Bilal Babar, who represents Brooklands ward, said: “The council has a duty to recognise the suffering caused by these extreme weather conditions and take swift and decisive action to ensure our communities receive the support they need.

“The extraordinary weather conditions led to the River Mersey and River Bollin to burst their banks and, for the first time in over 50 years, the collapse of the Bridgewater Canal at the Cheshire border.

“The result was disastrous – and could have been much worse – homes were damaged, businesses suffered significant losses, and residents were left to deal with the heart-breaking consequences the flooding caused.

“Clearly, we must work collaboratively with all our agency partners to improve our flood prevention measures, streamline our emergency response plans, and ensure that those affected receive the necessary support they deserve.”