DRAMATIC visual changes could take place in some locations following the approval of the latest phase of the multi-million £ Mersey Flood Risk Management Scheme at Warrington.
Riverside trees and other planting will be removed and new walls, fences and embankments will be built.
But, based on the impact of earlier phases of the scheme which have already been completed, planners believe the proposals are acceptable and will be of a high standard of construction and finish.
The borough council’s development management committee approved the proposals for the work on land to the north of Mersey Walk and to the east of Mort Avenue, Latchford.
The work will comprise sheet piled flood defence walls extending along the Mersey from the edge of Westy Park in the east to beyond the western edge of Cardinal Newman High School to the vicinity of Kingsway Bridge
A 320 metre length of new wall will be built along the northern edge of Mersey Walk – one of the main public vantage points with views of the new flood defence wall.
The Environment Agency has consulted with Cardinal Newman High School, the Manchester Ship Canal Company, United Utilities, Warrington Anglers Association, Westy Community Centre, Wirral and Cheshire Badger Group and local residents.
The overall scheme will provide a 1:100 year standard of protection to “at risk” areas of Warrington.
Main impact on living conditions for local people will be the construction period, including piling operations, construction traffic, works compounds, etc. In the long term, there will be a benefit to living conditions because of increased flood protection and the prevention of damage, say the planners.
How the flood defences will look in Mersey Walk
Flood defences will mean “dramatic visual changes”
22 Comments
2 Comments
The definition of high standard of construction and finish, needs explaining.
The contractors who have yet to complete phase 3A (Twiggerries, Kingsway North and Paddington Bank) have not exactly displayed either. The amount of building site debris littering the work areas beggars belief, Discarded sign-age, broken kerb stones, discarded concrete, rope and endless amounts of rubbish. Public footpaths now flood when it rains which previously did not.the road drain in Paddington are blocked near the entrance and flood when it rains. Grass verges and fences damaged by heavy plant and parking of vehicles have not been rectified the junction of Kingsway North to Paddington Bank is a disgrace. I hope the residents of Mort Avenue and Mersey Walk do not suffer the inconvenience suffered by those of Paddington Bank
Be prepared for it to take 3 times longer than the plans predict. Don’t expect the council to take any interest in you or the project now that the plans have been passed. My best advice is go to as many drop in meeting with the EA as possible to learn what is happening and how it is going to affect you. I found the EA to be sympathic and approachable. Do not miss the opportunity to have precondition surveys done on you homes if you live opposite the planned construction.