Cross party working for flood repair plan

In the first full Calderdale Council meeting since the floods, council staff, officers, businesses, agencies and the people of Calderdale were praised by the Leader of Calderdale Council Tim Swift.

Also in his motion, he outlined that the council should continue to push the Government for funding and ensure action and promises that were made are followed through.

“The one thing we don’t want to see is scenes like this again,” said Coun Swift. “If extreme weather is going to be more common we can’t let this situation happen again.

“The challenge is getting quick action but making sure the action is right.

“There is a real sense of the whole of Calderdale being in it all together - something I have never experienced before.”

Leader of the Calderdale Conservative Party Coun Stephen Baines said that during meetings with MPs and ministers, he hopes that Calderdale is ‘pushing at an open door’ in terms of getting the funding and support needed.

“In times of crisis, this council has a good record in pulling together and working across parties for the best interest of the people.

“This really is a great example of this. We have had some suggestions and promises that funding will come. We will continue to work cross party to ensure we get the maximum amount from the Government. I hope this cross party working will continue through the election period because at the end of the day we are representatives for the people.”

Lib Dem leader Janet Battye also stressed that the council needs to make sure the promises are turned into action.