WARRINGTON faces a significant risk of flooding from the Mersey at times of very high tides.
But it would be at greater risk but for the Manchester Ship Canal which, at times of heavy rainfall, channels the majority of flood water away from the town centre.
The borough council is making good progress leading a flood task group which was set up after severe flooding in 2007, according to a report to the council’s environment and housing overview and scrutiny committee on flood risk management.
Other members of the task group including United Utilities, the Environment Agency and the Ship Canal company.
Warrington has a history of flooding dating back to 1764.
But the most significant recent floods were in 1990 and 2000, with smaller scale incidents including sewerage and surface water flooding in 2007 and last year.
The most recent significant tidal event was in February 1990 when the Mersey overtopped existing defences and threatened properties in Westy, Knutsford Road, Victoria Park, Howley, Arpley Bridge and Lower Walton.
Warrington was selected as a pilot area for testing Surface Water Management Plans (SWMPs) and the results of the study have recently been submitted to DEFRA – the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
A key issue faced by the borough in its flood management duties is that of resources. The authority only has a limited number of technical staff with drainage experience and although the council is looking to provide some investment this year, resources are likely to be a long term for all local authorities.
United Utilities is development a programme of work to reduce flooding from sewers in several areas of the borough.
The Environment Agency is modelling flooding from all watercourses in Warrington and evaluating options for flood alleviations. They aim to reduce flood risk to high risk communities in the borough with construction work starting next year.
Main aim is to identify preferred options for managing flood risk over the next 100 years.
Work will be prioritised to address the highest risk flood issues first.
Town faces significant flood risk
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About Author
Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
