Bolton Council is investigating the circumstances which led to flooding in Horwich earlier this month after the area was hit by heavy rainfall.
Officers were called to the scene on Sunday, May 16 as flooding damaged properties, blocked roads and forced schools to close.
The council has now commenced an investigation to better understand any factors that may have influenced the severity of the flooding incident and will publish a report later this year.
Such investigations are a legal requirement under the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 and will see the council speak with public and private bodies with flood management responsibilities.
As a result of the outcome of the investigation, the report will make recommendations to mitigate against future flooding.
The complex nature of flood investigations means they can take a number of months to compile.
The final report will be considered by the Executive Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport and made publicly available.
We fully understand the strength of feeling in the community and the need for answers.
Executive Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, Cllr Stuart Haslam, said:
“The flooding earlier this month caused much distress to residents, damage to properties and has further disrupted education during what has already been a challenging year for our schools.
“We fully understand the strength of feeling in the community and the need for answers.
“I ask everyone to be patient while we investigate the matter thoroughly and assure you we will get to the bottom of what happened.”
During the incident, the council quickly stood up its flood response and worked closely with the emergency services to protect people and property.
Teams unblocked culverts, assisted homeowners with alternative accommodation and identified vulnerable residents in need of additional support.
Clean up work is ongoing and the council is working closely with schools in the area.