Town chosen for flood relief pilot

WARRINGTON has been chosen of one of six areas across the county to pilot a new national flood management programme.
Canals, waterways and drainage systems in the town will be the focus of a special study over the next few months – particularly in the flood-prone Penketh and Great Sankey areas.
The aim of the pilots is to work with partner agencies to test and develop surface water management plans. This will help engineers to learn more about predicting, preventing and responding effectively to future potential floods that could affect Warrington and the nation as a whole.
Dave Boyer, head of sustainable transport and manager of this project said: “The risk of flooding continues to escalate, making the events that devastated many communities last year an ever increasing threat.
“We are pleased to be chosen to pilot this scheme and are looking forward to working with the Environment Agency, United Utilities, DEFRA and other partners, to make sure we have a really good understanding of how local drainage operates and importantly how the various agencies and authorities can effectively work together to develop a robust plan and options to deal with the sort of flooding we had last summer.”
Coun Alan Litton, the borough council executive member for environment services said: “I welcome the Government’s recognition of the importance of flood management and am pleased that Warrington will play such an important role in helping to understand how to predict and prevent flooding both regionally and indeed nationally.”
Warrington South MP Helen Southworth has welcomed the investment, which forms part of a £2.15 billion, three year commitment to flood defence in England.
She said: “Because of its geography and other local factors, certain parts of Warrington are at real risk of flooding, and it is vital that the authorities have systems in place which can respond adequately to this threat.
“I know that flooding has caused misery to some householders in my constituency, and it can also cause real problems on the roads, making it very difficult for people to get around safely.
“I have been working with the water companies, the regulator and those communities worst affected to get a workable, long-term solution agreed and am pleased that steps are being taken to address the problem. This new government funding will complement the work already being done locally, making sure that effective cooperation between the local authority, the Environment Agency and the water company produces a water system that is properly managed and that gives families and local communities piece of mind.”
Pictured: flooding at Longford, Warrington, earlier this year