A GROUP dedicated to protecting Northwich from flooding has warned 'time is running out' for residents to have their say on the council's emergency repsonse plans. 

The Northwich Flood Prevention Group (NFPG) consists of residents and businesspeople, including surveyors, insurance brokers, construction specialists, former councillors and communications experts.

NFPG published an e-petition on Cheshire West and Chester Council’s (CWaC) website in August, calling on the authority to do more to implement permanent solutions to mitigate flood risk, and to better communicate their plans and decisions to residents and local businesses.

To date, the petition has attracted only 138 signatures, and the group is concerned that, with the January 31 deadline looming, residents are missing out on an opportunity to hold CWaC and other authorities to account.

William Briggs, spokesperson for NFPG, said: “I really would like to encourage as many people as possible to recognise that there is a true issue with flooding in our town, and to sign the petition.

“We need them (CWaC) to communicate with the people of Northwich and tell them what is happening."

The petition requests that CWaC 'work with United Utilities, the Environment Agency and all risk management authorities to urgently agree a formal programme which will ensure that their pumping stations, flap valve outlets and associated drainage assets are permanently available to address flood issues which could affect the town centre of Northwich'.

Campaigners also called for the council, as lead authority, to 'fully communicates the details of all plans and strategies which will apply in the event of future floods to residents, businesses and members of the community in and around the centre of Northwich, updating them as and when they are amended'.

In reposonse, a CWaC spokesperson said: "The council continues to work closely with the Environment Agency and United Utilities at a strategic and local level to ensure that assets in Northwich are fully operational.

"Some flap valves are in private ownership and following a pre-winter inspection those flap valves requiring attention will be brought to the attention of the owner of the asset.

“A copy of the Northwich Emergency Plan will be made available for the public.”