Flood risk investment to support residents in Hindley, Platt Bridge and Abram

Flood risk investment to support residents in Hindley, Platt Bridge and Abram

Wigan Council will commit £3m to a flood defence scheme that could unlock further major funding.

Ahead of public consultation this summer, the local authority is hoping its contribution will attract wider support.

The scheme would see flood risk prevention measures tailored for communities in Hindley, Platt Bridge and Abram, areas recently affected by river flooding.

The consultation will provide an opportunity to assess the available options and to learn more about how the projects will progress.

Councillor Nazia Rehman, Leader of Wigan Council, said: “This commitment sets out a clear timeline for how we will support our residents, many of whom have been impacted by recent flooding.

“We have been consistently making the case on their behalf; listening to residents, working closely with partners such as Defra and the Environment Agency, and lobbying for the funding and support our communities need.

“While there is still a long way to go, we are determined to keep pushing until these much‑needed measures are delivered.

“Alongside our partners, we are confident the options being developed can significantly reduce flood risk for residents in Hindley, Platt Bridge and Abram.”

Dozens of homes and businesses were flooded in these areas on New Year’s Day 2025 and in previous outbreaks of sustained heavy rainfall.

Modelling by the Environment Agency has identified hundreds of homes and businesses that could be at risk by further flooding incidents.

Further information about the consultation sessions will be released in the coming weeks.

Investment and new funding guidelines for flood defences came into effect in April 2026, visit Deprived communities to get new flood defences faster (external link) for more information.