Could the Bocastle Flood Happen in Rochdale?

Photo of sandbags attempting to prevent flooding

With overlooking moorland, steep valleys and narrow twisting rivers there are strong similarities between the Spodden Valley and the Cornish Village blighted by recent flooding.

With increasing pressure in the borough to build houses near riverbanks, could the River Spodden cause such damage?

It has. Several times in the past. Supporters of Save Spodden Valley group have just found one such vivid account of a flood disaster. Research is being conducted on the history, ecology and contamination of the former Turner Brother Asbestos site purchased in May by a development consortium.

An 1875 history of Rochdale gives an account of the Great Flood of July 4 1838: With striking similarities to recent events at Bocastle, a summer storm saturated Rooley Moor. Rainwater rushed into the River Spodden that rose to a height of 15 feet. Spotland Bridge and other local bridges were destroyed.

Floodwaters smashed Mills on the river from Whitworth, Healey and into Rochdale. One of the factories damaged was Foot Mill in Spotland. This site by the river now has woodland that is protected by a provisional Tree Preservation Order. This was in response to the actions of the site's new owner, MMC Developments, who began clearing trees in the Spodden Valley without notice in May.

Plans are due to be published for a "mixed use urban village" for much of the former asbestos factory site.

Save Spodden Valley spokesman Jason Addy is appealing for more information about the history of the former asbestos factory site.

"Facts are needed so that responsible decisions are made about any future development."

"Accounts of past flooding are important factors when considering land use."

"Woodland can help stabilise the Spodden's riverbank. The Spodden has flooded within living memory. With potential climate change, removal of woodland and less open land available to soak heavy rainfall away, any irresponsible building of houses in the Spodden Valley could be a disaster waiting to happen."