PRELIMINARY work has started on the construction of a sample section of a proposed Environment Agency flood defence wall designed to eventually protect thousands of properties in Warrington.
The sample section of wall will contain examples of artwork and lettering which the Environment Agency hope to incorporate in the scheme at various locations and is being built as part of a new entrance to Victoria Park, in Knutsford Road.
Dermot Smith, the agency’s project executive, said: “By building this small section of the proposed flood defence wall we, and the local community, will get a real understanding as to how the flood defence will look and if any changes are needed.
“We’re really keen to hear residents’ views on the proposed wall and also our plans for our whole scheme which will reduce the risk of flooding from the Mersey to over 2,000 properties in Warrington.
“Residents can let us know their views by emailing us at [email protected] or coming along to our drop-in session at our Richard Fairclough House offices on Thursday July 14, 3.30pm – 7pm – everyone is welcome.”
The agency is currently preparing a bid to secure government funding for a flood alleviation scheme which will reduce the risk of flooding to properties in Latchford, Howley, Kingsway North, Padgate, Westy, Woolston and Cinnamon Brow areas of the town.
At the community drop-in session residents will be able to see and comment on the overall scheme plans and the detailed designs which focus on the Knutsford Road area, including Victoria Park.
Although at the moment funding for the scheme is not guaranteed, the agency says it is vital there is community involvement at this stage so any issues can be addressed and a planning application can be submitted.
Once all this is complete and if planning permission is granted it will allow the agency to start building the defences, if funding is secured.
Even with new improved flood defences in place, there will always be a risk that flooding can occur.
Residents with any concerns should call the Environment Agency’s Floodline on 0845 9881188 or visit www.environment-agency.gov.uk/floodnorthwest for further information.
4 Comments
A sample piece of wall with artwork and lettering. Wonder how much time and effort went into this?
And which world do these people live in. Yes, we do need defences but at what cost. They have no money and yet they want to include “artwork and lettering” in what should be a standard defence system. I despair!
I presume by lettering they mean the words ‘Victoria Park’ like shown on the image above. I think it looks rather nice and much better than an unslightly or ugly plain defence wall. As for artwork, well not sure what they mean by that but sounds nice too. They could leave that off though as the graffitti ‘artists’ would soon add some artwork for free 😉
Can’t understand why such an open gateway to the park, when all that is inside is playing fields, allotments, the Athletic Stadium and the Skate Park.
The Park development is another issue that has been put on hold due to the financial climate, BUT whatever they did, it doesn’t warrant such an area of empty space at the entrance.