NEW flood defences built at Warrington have already clearly demonstrated the value of investment in flood alleviation schemes, according to the Institution of Civil Engineers.
Last winter they stood firm against the largest River Mersey tidal surges since 1990, protecting around 1,500 local homes and businesses, says the Institution (ICE)
In their annual “State of the Nation” report, the ICE says flood prevention should remain a top investment priority for local authorities and the Environment Agency.
The report praises the Knutsford Road phase of the Warrington scheme and says the new flood walls and embankments held firm, allowing flood water to be held on the natural flood plain of Victoria Park.
ICE North West director Alan Butler said the scheme embodies a key recommendation in the State of the Nation report, which advocates a holistic approach to flood management by the Environment Agency and lead local flood authorities.
“Wherever practicable, we would like to see flood management schemes include land use planning, upstream catchment measures, flood defences and increased infrastructure and buildings flood resilience,” said Mr Butler.
The £23m scheme is a partnership between the Environment Agency and Warrington Borough Council, who are jointly funding the new flood defences.
When complete, the scheme will eventually reduce the risk of flooding by the River Mersey and its tributaries to more than 2,000 homes and businesses in Warrington.
The second phase of construction in Howley began in January, with the third and final phase safeguarding Woolston, Padgate, Kingsway North, Cinnamon Brow and Latchford East. Completion is scheduled for spring next year.
Planning consent for the third phase was granted by Warrington’s development management committee last week, despite opposition from more than 20 residents worried about noise, disturbance and vibrations caused by construction work.
The work involves flood defences along the Mersey from Paddington Lock to Kingsway Allotments.
Pictured: The new flood defences in Knutsford Road, with Howley Weir in the background.
Flood defences prove their worth
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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.
