Whitefield: Investigation work at Springwater Park hit by floods

Bury South MP Christian Wakeford has called on the government for help to reduce the effects of flooding and land slippage at Springwater Park in Whitefield. 

The Labour politician spoke in the House of Commons last week to ask for support in tackling the problem.

The park experienced flooding and land slippage during two storms which battered the borough during the winters of 2020 and 2021.

In January 2021, the park saw land slippage close to the water as a result of Storm Cristoph which cause water levels to rise on the River Irwell.

The area was also hit by flooding during Storm Ciara a year earlier, during which the River Irwell burst its banks. 

Springwater Park, Whitefield following floods in 2021

Mr Wakeford said he and the council had been working to fix the issue and the local authority has previously estimated the problem could cost up to £6m to solve.

The council says it is "undertaking ground investigation works" at the site.

Mr Wakeford said the council had been unable to secure funding under the Bellwin scheme of emergency financial assistance, which can be used to reimburse councils which have dealt with an emergency or disaster.

He addressed the parliamentary under-secretary of state for environment, food and rural affairs, Robbie Moore MP, who agreed to work with the local authority.

Bury Council estimates the cost of repair work could reach £6m

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Mr Wakeford said: “Springwater Park in my constituency suffers from regular flooding during storms causing landslip and movement approaching the highway.

“Unfortunately, it falls outside established funding pots like Bellwin so we keep getting passed between the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs."

In response, Mr Moore said: “I am aware that government is investing in long-term projects in [Mr Wakeford’s] constituency, including a Radcliffe and Redvales scheme.

“We are doubling the amount of investment we are putting into alleviation schemes from £2.6bn to £5.2bn over the next six-year funding round but of course I am happy to meet with the honourable member.”

Springwater Park (Image: Bury Council)

Last September, the park became one of seven "local nature reserves" in the borough, which recognises the green space for its important to wildlife and recreation.

A council spokesperson said: “We are undertaking ground investigation works to assess the stability of the slope and ascertain whether ground movement is occurring or not.

“This will involve the use of boreholes and geotechnical instruments to improve the understanding of the ground and determine the extent of the ground instability issues at Springwater Park.”