AN independent report into flooding that devastated 100 homes in Moreton has said the authorities were too slow in sharing information and late in reacting to rising water levels.

Hundreds of people were evacuated after heavy rain led to the Arrowe Brook and Fender breaking their banks in September flooding homes around Millhouse Lane, Tern Way and Wastdale Drive areas.

Wirral Globe:

A flooded Tern Way in Moreton

The report drawn up by consultants concluded: "Information about the scale and severity of the flooding was slow to surface and reach key decision makers."

It also highlighted "misconceptions about roles and responsibilities of the different agencies impacted on the effectiveness of the flood incident response."

Moreton West & Saughall Cllr Chris Blakeley said: "This report confirms the views of the people most affected - that the response of the authorities was too little, too late and that, had authorities and agencies worked together instead of alone, some of the damage to property and distress to residents could have been avoided.

"Before 2010, it is unlikely this kind of report would ever have been commissioned, let alone been published, and I hope that the council will make the full report available on its website.

"Residents can see how they were let down by the various authorities and agencies failing in their duty to work together quickly and effectively.

"It is now up to councillors to ensure that the authority implements the improvements required.

"We've seen too many reports like this in Wirral in the past where, instead of 'lessons learnt', we have had 'no further action'.

"For the people at risk of further floods in Moreton and elsewhere in Wirral doing nothing is no longer an option."

Mark Camborne, Wirral Council's head of corporate and community safety said: "We know that the rainfall that was responsible for this flooding was unprecedented. There was a large volume that fell on already saturated ground in a short period of time.

"As extreme weather is now forecast to be a more frequent risk, it is clear we need to update our early warning, response and preparedness plans accordingly.

"Wirral Council commissioned this detailed investigation from external experts to guarantee the independence of the process, and to inform the best multi-agency response.

"What the report makes clear is that while there were many examples of good work and tireless effort from agencies, residents and authorities, overall the response was not as coordinated as it could have been.

"The Council, as the Local Lead Flooding Authority, is committed to working with other agencies to address this.

"Already progress has been made on many of the actions identified in the report - especially around promoting community resilience and people's own ability to prepare for a flood.

"I can assure residents that should we face similar circumstances in the future, there will be a more robust and coordinated multi-agency response."