Urmston farm owner’s anger over lack of flood warning from EA

“We get amber weather warnings all the time living in Great Britain, especially in Manchester. But to not receive any warning [from the Environment Agency] that something like this was going to happen, and to be so severe to the point that lives were at risk.

“Negligent is just the only word for it.”

The EA spokesperson said teams had been “working around the clock over the New Year, operating flood defences, taking action to reduce the impact of flooding, issuing flood warnings and supporting communities affected”.

“The South Manchester area is within the Middle Mersey catchment and was subject to a flood alert late afternoon on 31 December,” they continued.

“Flood Warnings were issued to communities close to the River Mersey overnight and into the next day.

“We are sadly very aware of the devastating impact that flooding can have, which is why protecting communities is our top priority, and our sympathies are with anyone affected over recent days.”