THE MP for an area of Bolton repeatedly hit by flooding is asking residents to sign a petition to Parliament.

Yasmin Qureshi recently called on junior environment minister Rebecca Pow to find the millions needed to protect Prestolee.

The Bolton South East Labour MP said yesterday: “The residents are living in fear of flooding every time there is heavy rain, and this is causing significant and ongoing anxiety and distress.

"They have been asking for flood defences for the past five years and, whilst the Environment Agency has drawn up plans, the government has not yet made the funding available for construction to begin.

“Writing letters asking for help has not got us anywhere a which is why I am helping the residents to present a public petition to the House of Commons.

“They have to be submitted in writing and their purpose is to ask the Commons to take some action, in this case to urge the government to provide the much-needed funding for flood defences in Prestolee.

"I have also tabled two Parliamentary Questions, asking what plans for flood protection have been made, and when funding will be available.”