Speaking as the clean-up operation following the Boxing Day floods continues, Greater Manchester’s Mayor and Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Lloyd said:
“I would once again like to thank all of those people who work for our emergency services and public agencies who have been working non-stop since Boxing Day to provide immediate support to those who have been affected by the unprecedented floods we have seen in Greater Manchester this week. With the massive clean-up operation under way, that work continues and will do so in the days, weeks and months to come.
“I would also like to recognise the speed with which the Government has constructed a package of support for local councils to ensure those individuals and businesses who have been affected most will receive immediate financial aid.
“The response by our councils has been fantastic, from the opening of rest centres in the immediate aftermath of the floods, to the speedy creation of support packages for homes and businesses which will mean, for example, that every home that has been flooded will receive £500. Along with our emergency services, they have demonstrated they were there when the public needed them.
“Our councils are continuing to look for ways to secure the future of individual businesses jeopardised by the events of the past week. I would urge affected businesses to get in touch with their council as we are committed to doing all we can to get them, and their employees, back to work.
“Despite the support available, it is the case that many, many people in our conurbation face difficult times ahead and will start 2016 with trepidation and fear. It is vital that we continue to support them as they get back on their feet and they can know Greater Manchester stands with them.”
(picture credit: manchestereveningnews)