Huge flood defence scheme progresses

Monday, 1 September 2025 16:11

By George Lythgoe

Aerial images of the progress on the flood defence scheme in Littleborough

Work is progressing on a massive £46m flood defence scheme that could protect hundreds of homes and businesses in Rochdale.

Construction activity is now underway at all the key sites across the Littleborough Flood Risk Management Scheme. The project is designed to protect 337 homes and 185 businesses in the area by constructing a flood storage reservoir and sections of flood defences along the River Roch.

Signed off in 2020, the plan was developed to avoid the borough being devastated by floods witnessed on Boxing Day in 2015 in the future.

Rochdale MP Paul Waugh recently toured several active construction areas and met with project staff to see first-hand how the scheme is developing.

He was shown the advancing works on the Gale West reservoir outlet structure, where the concrete outlet is taking shape and protective trash screens are being installed to maintain a steady flow of water and prevent blockages.

Mr Waugh also viewed the development of the new River Roch diversion, a channel designed to carry water from the existing river course into the reservoir once complete.

Mr Waugh said: “We know all too well in Rochdale and Littleborough the devastation caused by floods like the one we had in 2015.

“So it was encouraging to see firsthand the progress made on this huge engineering project, which will protect so many homes and vital local businesses from future floods.

“The EA team and VolkerStevin engineers explained the complexities of the project but also their commitment to try to protect local residents as much as possible from the noise of the works and the loss of amenities such as footpaths and trees.”

Phase 1 of the project, overseen by the Environment Agency and Rochdale Borough Council, used an innovative ‘rain-ready’ system to handle polluted water created by construction activities. Once complete, the flood defences will better protect 723 homes and 489 businesses in the borough.

In Littleborough, the project will safeguard 337 homes and 185 non-residential properties. Additionally, it aims to provide environmental benefits, with 1.2 acres of woodland enhancement at Grove Lodge where over 130 trees and 160m of hedging will be planted.

Neil Johnson, project manager at the Environment Agency, said: “The Littleborough Flood Risk Management Scheme is making good progress and it was a pleasure to show Mr Waugh the latest construction works.

“Once complete, the scheme will better protect homes and businesses in the area from flooding, while also improving resilience to future climate challenges.”

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