DETAILED plans for the second phase of the multi-million £ River Mersey flood risk management scheme at Warrington are to be considered by the borough council’s development management committee tonight.
They involve the north bank of the Mersey from Kingsway Bridge to Bridgefoot, including Howley Lane electricity sub-station, Warrington Rowing Club, Howley suspension bridge to Farrell Street development site, including Howley Quay, Wharf Street to Howley suspension bridge and the Wharf Street-Vernon Street junction.
Work on the first phase of the scheme is now well
advanced, progressed by the Environment Agency.
But the borough council is a stakeholder in the project, potentially contributing up to £3.4 million.
Overall, the scheme will provide much improved flood protection – able to cope with a one-in-100 year incident – for the foreseeable future.
A report to be considered by the committee says the scheme will increase protection for about 2,130 homes and 123 industrial or commercial properties.
New embankments, replacing naturalised river banks will result in some dramatic visual changes, some of which will be stark.
But for every tree felled, a new one will be planted and vegetation will be protected where possible. Riverside walks will be improved.
Some works will be closed to houses – notably Riverside Close. But there has been close consultation with residents.
Objections have been received from three residents who claim the Mersey has not flooded in more than 100 years and argue that wildlife corridors will be destroyed.
Planners acknowledge there will be an impact on some residents but say this will be mitigated when new planting has matured.
They point out there is an acknowledged and genuine overriding need to improve flood protection in large parts of the town.
