Repairs that restore flood protection to 316 homes and businesses in Didsbury and the surrounding communities has been completed.
This announcement comes during Flood Action Week – the Environment Agency’s annual campaign encouraging people to prepare for flooding by taking proactive steps such as knowing their flood risk, preparing a flood plan, and signing up for flood warnings.
The repair works follow the flooding on New Year’s Day 2025, when prolonged rainfall caused the River Mersey to reach its highest recorded levels in 66 years. The flooding caused widespread disruption across the region.
During the event, the operation of Environment Agency flood defences, including flood storage basins, flood walls and debris screens meant that more than 10,000 properties were protected during the New Year period.
The repairs focused on sections of the River Mersey damaged during the event, including four embankment breaches and improvements to erosion protection. With these works now complete, residents once again benefit from the same standard of flood protection as before the January floods.
In the aftermath of the flooding, Environment Agency officers visited over 50 affected communities to understand the impacts on the ground and offer advice and support to residents.
Jamie Dixon, Flood Risk Manager for the Environment Agency, said:
We know how devastating flooding can be, and we’ve worked hard to restore protection for the community as quickly and safely as possible.
These embankments are a vital part of the local flood defence system, and the repairs will help reduce the risk of flooding from the River Mersey in future storms.
We’re grateful for the patience and support of residents during the repair works and continue to work closely with partners to build long-term resilience across Greater Manchester.
Protecting people and communities from flooding is a top priority for the Environment Agency. The organisation is working closely with government to deliver £2.65 billion of investment by March 2026, with a further £4.2 billion for 2026–2029, to strengthen national resilience by building new and improving existing flood defences.
Around 6.3 million homes and businesses are in areas at risk of flooding in England from rivers, the sea or surface water. As part of Flood Action Week, the Environment Agency is urging people to:
To find out more or to sign up for flood alerts, visit: Flooding – GOV.UK or call Floodline on 0345 988 1188.
