Wigan Environment Agency clears up after storm Ciara havoc

Gales and torrential rain battered the borough at the beginning of the week, bringing down trees, causing rivers to swell and flooding seven homes.

Wigan did get off relatively lightly, although this was in part due to precautionary measures like the Coppull Lane dam and clearing drains.

Part of the post-storm work by EA staff has involved clearing debris from drains so they will function fully come the next deluge.

An agency spokeswoman said: “These are early days after the storm and in the longer term we will be carrying out flood risks in the area, looking to see if any remedial work is needed. In the meantime we are clearing away debris left by the storm so that screens and drains work properly and visiting those affected by the storm, including those whose houses were flooded.”

By operating defences and assets, the agency said it was able to protect more than 12,000 properties and businesses and warn around 13,500 people ahead of Ciara’s North West arrival.