An MP has written to Bradford Council questioning whether the district is ready to combat flooding risks.

George Galloway (Respect, Bradford West), has contacted the Council’s chief executive Tony Reeves to ask whether a district-wide survey of all properties and their drainage and sewage systems had been undertaken to see if they could cope with sustained heavy rainfall.

In a second letter, Mr Galloway also sought assurances that planning permission for any new houses or businesses built on flood plains be refused, having submitted a parliamentary motion seeking to make local authorities liable for flooding damage in these areas.

“Given the unprecedented rain over the last few weeks, I wanted to ask whether Bradford was safe from flooding,” said Mr Galloway.

“I have looked at the Department of the Environment map and it does appear that there are areas which could potentially face inundation.

“Land on both sides of the River Aire could be at risk, and land adjoining Bradford Beck in Frizinghall.”

A Bradford Council spokesman said it would be providing a response to Mr Galloway in due course.

The spokesman said: “Bradford Council works hard and continuously to fulfil its responsibilities to make sure that the residents in locations of the district potentially at risk of flooding are protected as much as possible. We also work with many other agencies such as water companies, the Environment Agency, other Government departments and emergency services to help them in this aim.”

Yorkshire Water is investing to prevent sewer flooding with works completed in Shipley and Bradford Moor and another under way in Keighley.