Fylde MP calls for new body to coordinate flood prevention across Fylde coast in House of Commons

A proposal for a new body to coordinate flood prevention across the Fylde coast is to be considered by the Government following calls by an MP in the House of Commons.

Fylde MP Andrew Snowden highlighted how the same communities often experience repeated low-level flooding before suffering more severely during extreme weather. He told MPs that problems frequently cross council boundaries and involve several different agencies, making a coordinated response essential.

He asked the Minister responsible for infrastructure resilience, Dan Jarvis to consider extending the use of flood and drainage boards to areas not currently covered by one.

Responding, the Minister said Andrew had raised “a very important point”. Drawing on his own experience of launching a flood catchment plan, he agreed to consult colleagues at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and return to Andrew with a further response.

Internal Drainage Boards already operate in many low-lying parts of England such as Lincolnshire and Norfolk. They are independent public bodies which manage water levels, maintain watercourses and drainage infrastructure, and work with councils, the Environment Agency, landowners and other organisations to reduce flood risk.

Fylde is not currently covered by such a board. Andrew believes there is a strong case for considering a Fylde coast flood and drainage board covering the Rivers Ribble and Wyre, their tributaries and connected drainage systems.

Andrew Snowden MP said: “Floodwater does not stop at council boundaries. Residents are understandably frustrated when several organisations are involved and responsibility appears to be passed from one agency to another. So I am pleased that the Minister recognised the importance of this proposal and agreed to discuss it with Defra before coming back to me.

“A dedicated Fylde coast board could bring councils, the Environment Agency, United Utilities, landowners and other partners around one table. It could identify shared priorities, improve accountability and help address recurring problems before severe weather strikes.

“Similar bodies already make a real difference elsewhere. I will now make the case for Fylde and explore how a locally focused board covering the Ribble, Wyre and their tributaries could work.”

Councillor Tommy Threlfall, Fylde Borough Council’s lead member for the Environment and a local councillor for Freckleton, said: “It is really encouraging to see Andrew raising this important issue directly in Parliament. We need a clear understanding of the Environment Agency’s plans for our rivers and water management, with councils, agencies, landowners and communities working together on agreed priorities.

“That could be particularly valuable for watercourses such as Liggard Brook and Main Drain, which affect communities around Lytham and across the wider Fylde area. I welcome the Minister’s commitment to consider Andrew’s proposal.”