Wigan Council has pledged £3m to a flood defence scheme aimed at reducing the risk of flooding for three communities, potentially unlocking further major funding. The scheme targets Hindley, Platt Bridge, and Abram, areas that have experienced river flooding, with around 480 properties at risk along Borsdane Brook in the Hindley and Platt Bridge area.
Historic Flooding and Current Risks
On Boxing Day 2015, 44 homes were flooded from Borsdane Brook, and dozens of homes and businesses were again flooded on New Year's Day 2025. After the 2015 incident, the Environment Agency secured government funding to investigate risk reduction measures. In addition to river flooding, the areas are susceptible to surface water flooding when heavy rainfall overwhelms drainage systems.
The council's contribution is intended to attract wider financial support, with a public consultation scheduled for summer 2026. The consultation will assess available options and provide details on project progression.
Council Leader's Statement
Coun 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.”
Partners and Next Steps
Partners in the flood alleviation project include Wigan Council, Bolton Council, Greater Manchester Combined Authority, United Utilities, and the Environment Agency. The Environment Agency previously stated that if a scheme passes all government guidance tests, a business case will be developed to seek funding for design and construction, with construction potentially beginning in 2028. To improve flood warning accuracy, a new river level monitoring station has been installed upstream of the Platt Lane footbridge. Further information about consultation sessions will be released in the coming weeks.
